fellowship application letter of recommendation

Sample Recommendation Letter for Fellowship Applicant

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A good recommendation letter can help you stand out among other fellowship applicants. You will most likely need at least two letters of recommendation as part of the application process. The best recommendations will come from people who know you well and can offer specific information about you as a student, person, or employee.

The sample recommendation letter shown below has been reprinted (with permission) from EssayEdge.com, which did not write or edit this sample recommendation letter. However, it is a good example of how a business recommendation should be formatted for a fellowship application.

Sample Recommendation Letter for a Fellowship

To Whom It May Concern:

I am proud to recommend a beloved student, Kaya Stone, for your fellowship program . I was asked to write as one who has functioned in the capacity of an employer of Kaya, but I would first like to say a few words about him as a student.

Kaya is a highly intelligent, perceptive young man. He came to our institution committed to capitalizing on the opportunity of his third year of study in Israel, and he left with the satisfaction of having accomplished that goal. Kaya grew in learning, in character, in his depth of understanding. He seeks truth in each area of his life, whether in learning, discussing philosophy, or relating to his fellow students and his teachers. Because of his positive disposition, his reflective way of operating, and all of the character traits that make him so special, Kaya’ s questions never go unanswered, and his searches always bring him to exciting discoveries. As a student , Kaya is outstanding. As an educator, I have watched him grow, seen his talents and abilities not only in the classroom but outside its walls when interacting with all types of people as well.

During his time at our institution, Kaya, who as I’m sure you know is an excellent writer and publicist, also has done a good deal of work for the yeshiva. This has included the text for many public relations brochures and packets, letters to parents, potential donors, and alumni, and essentially any correspondence which I have requested that he compose. The feedback is always overwhelmingly positive, and he has done so much in that way for our yeshiva. Even today, while he studies elsewhere, he continues to do a great deal of this work for our institution, in addition to the recruiting and other services he performs for the yeshiva.

Always, in his work, Kaya is consistent, dedicated and passionate, enthusiastic, cheerful, and a pleasure to work with. He has incredible creative energies and a refreshing idealism tempered only enough to accomplish what needs to be done. I highly recommend him for any position of work, leadership, education, or any other capacity in which he can spread his excitement and share his talents with others. At our institution, we are expecting big things from Kaya in the way of educational and communal leadership in the years to come. And knowing Kaya, he will not disappoint, and probably will exceed our expectations.

Thank you once again for the opportunity to recommend such a special and impressive young man.

Sincerely Yours,

Steven Rudenstein Dean, Yeshiva Lorentzen Chainani

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Professional Letters to Support a Fellowship Application

Table of Contents

A letter of recommendation is an integral part of any fellowship application. It provides the selection committee insight into an applicant’s character and qualifications. And this can be a deciding factor in whether or not the applicant is awarded the fellowship. Looking at a  sample letter of recommendation for fellowship program  can be very helpful in getting started with your letter.

Lucky for you, we’ve rounded up some great sample letters that you can refer to in this article. We’ll also share some of the key steps to writing a recommendation letter that’s both informative and enjoyable to read.

What Your Recommendation Letter Should Include

A letter of recommendation for a fellowship should be well-written and tailored to the kind of fellowships the candidate is applying to. It should highlight the candidate’s strengths and explain why they would make a good fit for the program.

Some of the main information you should include in your letter are:

• The candidate’s Name, contact information, and academic history.
• What the fellowship program is about, and the reason why they’re interested in it
• Description of the candidate’s educational and professional achievements.
• Details about the candidate’s qualifications.
• Reasons you think the candidate would be a good fit for the fellowship program.

How to Write a Recommendation Letter for a Fellowship Program

Writing a recommendation letter doesn’t have to be all that complicated. Here are some simple steps that you can follow:

• Start by introducing yourself and stating your position or relationship to the applicant. 
• Share what you know about their academic and professional accomplishments, as well as any other information that may be relevant.
• Highlight specific qualities or traits that make them a strong candidate for the fellowship program. 
• Provide detailed examples of how they have demonstrated these qualities in past experiences or projects.
• Finally, offer your endorsement and say why you believe they would be an excellent fit for the fellowship opportunity.

Professional Sample Letter of Recommendation for Fellowship Program

Dear [Name of Program Head],

I am writing to recommend [Name of Applicant] for the [Name of fellowship program]. I have known [Name of Applicant] for many years and can attest to his intelligence and dedication. He has always been a top student in everything he does, and I am confident he would excel in this program. 

[Name of Applicant] is an excellent communicator and possesses strong critical-thinking skills. He also has a great sense of humor, which makes him fun to be around. In addition to all these qualities, [Name of Applicant] is hardworking and responsible; I know he would take advantage of this opportunity fully. 

If you have any questions about [Name of Applicant]’s qualifications, please do not hesitate to contact me at your convenience. Thank you for your time and consideration. 

[Signature]

To Whom It May Concern, 

I am writing to recommend [Name of applicant] for [Name of fellowship program]. I have known [Name of applicant] for many years and have always been impressed by their intelligence and work ethic.

In addition to being an excellent student, [Name of applicant] is also highly well-rounded and has a wide range of interests. I can think of no one who will be better suited for this opportunity than [Name of applicant].

If you need more information, please do not hesitate to contact me at your earliest convenience. Thank you for your time and consideration. 

Sincerely, 

I am writing to recommend Kevin Smith for the XYZ Fellowship. I have worked with John extensively in a leadership capacity and can attest to his leadership strengths.

In our work together, he has consistently shown himself to be competent, innovative, and motivated. For example, during our last project together, John proved himself instrumental in developing an original solution that saved the team time and resources. 

I truly believe that John would excel as a fellow at XYZ organization, and I commend him for your consideration. If you have any questions or need additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me at 555-555-1234. 

Thank you for your time and consideration!

Wrapping Up

A letter of recommendation plays a crucial role in a student’s success in applying for a competitive fellowship. They are one of the most influential elements in an application next to the student’s essays . As such, you shouldn’t take writing your recommendation letter lightly.

The letter should be professional and concise and speak to their qualifications and potential. Hopefully, you’ve gained some ideas on how to better write your letter through the  sample letter of recommendation for fellowship program  in this article.

Abir Ghenaiet

Abir is a data analyst and researcher. Among her interests are artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing. As a humanitarian and educator, she actively supports women in tech and promotes diversity.

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Letter of Recommendation for a Fellowship (Template)

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A letter of recommendation for fellowship is a letter written to a fellowship committee on behalf of a candidate. The letter should highlight the candidate's strengths and why they would be a good fit for the fellowship. It is important to tailor the letter to the specific fellowship for which the candidate is applying.

A letter of recommendation for fellowship should include

• The candidate's name, contact information, and academic history.
• Details about the fellowship program and why the candidate is interested in it.
• A description of the candidate's academic and professional achievements.
• Details about the candidate's skills and qualifications.
• Why the candidate would be a good fit for the fellowship program.

A letter of recommendation for a fellowship should be well-written and tailored to the specific fellowship for which the candidate is applying. It should highlight the candidate's strengths and explain why they would be a good fit for the program. The letter should be professional and concise, and it should be signed by someone who knows the candidate well and can speak to their qualifications.

There are many different types of fellowships, and each one requires a different type of recommendation letter. However, most fellowship applications require letters from professors or other professionals who can speak to your academic or professional achievements.

The following are four sample letters of recommendation for a fellowship application. Each letter is tailored to a specific type of fellowship.

Letter for a research fellowship

Dear _________,

It is my great pleasure to recommend ____________ for a research fellowship at your esteemed institution. ____________ is an outstanding young scholar with an impressive record of academic achievement. His/Her work in the field of ____________ has already garnered his/her national recognition, and I do not doubt that she will continue to produce groundbreaking research during his/her fellowship.

I have had the privilege of working with ____________ for several years, and I can attest to his/her passion for her work and her dedication to excellence. He/She is an excellent student and a gifted researcher, and I am confident that she will make significant contributions to the field of ____________ during his/her fellowship.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions about ____________'s qualifications or suitability for this fellowship. I am happy to provide additional information.

Thank you for your consideration.

(Your Name)

(Your Email)

Letter for a teaching fellowship

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing to recommend __________ for the teaching fellowship she has applied for. I have had the pleasure of working with ____________ as his/her teacher during the past school year, and I can say without hesitation that he/she is an outstanding educator.

____________ has a true passion for teaching, and he/she is constantly seeking new ways to engage her students in learning. He/She has a gift for taking complex concepts and making them understandable for students of all ages. His/Her classroom is always lively and engaging, and his/her students are always eager to learn more.

__________would be an excellent addition to any teaching team, and I highly recommend her for the teaching fellowship he/she has applied for. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Letter for a grant writing fellowship

Dear (the person you are recommending),

I am very pleased to recommend (name of the person you are recommending) for the grant writing fellowship. (He/She) is an exceptional writer and has a true gift for crafting compelling proposals. I have worked with (him/her) on numerous proposals, and I can attest to (his/her) skills in this area.

Moreover, (name of the person you are recommending) is a motivated and hard-working individual who is always willing to go the extra mile. I am confident that (he/she) will be an asset to any organization that hires (him/her).

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Letter for a general fellowship

I am writing in regards to the general fellowship that I saw advertised online. I am extremely interested in the opportunity and would love to learn more about it.

I am a recent graduate of (university name) with a degree in (major). I have experience in (relevant experience) , and I believe that I would be a great candidate for the fellowship.

I am eager to learn more about the program and what is required of me. Can you please send me more information, including the application deadline? I look forward to hearing from you soon.

(Your name)

Final Thoughts

When writing a letter of recommendation for fellowship, it is important to highlight the applicant's qualifications and to express your confidence in their ability to succeed. 

You should also be sure to include any relevant information about your relationship with the applicant, such as how long you have known them and what you have observed of their work ethic and academic ability.

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Writing Recommendation Letters

Letters of recommendation are crucial to a student’s success in a prestigious fellowship competition. After the student’s own essays, they are the most influential part of an application. As such, your role as a letter writer is fundamental.

These tips are intended to help you tailor your letter for the scholarship competition at hand; they are based on feedback given directly from members of selection committees for the Rhodes, Marshall, Goldwater, Truman and others in workshops and conferences within the National Association of Fellowship Advisors  (of which KU is an institutional member).

If you have questions or need additional resources, please email the Office of Fellowships at  [email protected] .

Writing Recommendation Letter Tips

Address the criteria.

Each fellowship or scholarship has a specific set of criteria that they want the letters to address. Note that what may be useful in a recommendation for graduate school or a job is not always well regarded by scholarship committees. Most of these awards are interested in much more than what a student did in the classroom.

Familiarize yourself with the mission of the foundation, and find concrete examples of the way that the student meets their expectations.

For some awards, you may need to explicitly address a specific topic in your letter, such as leadership.

Some foundations provide very specific advice (Truman, Marshall, Rhodes), which we encourage you to read.

Be Vivid and Specific

It can help a student stand out for the selection committee if you can relate anecdotes about the student that provide a sense of the student’s character, as well as his or her achievements.  

Prestigious awards often include programs and events for all the recipients, so the committee is interested in the student’s personal qualities that will make them a part of the scholarship community.

It is usually not necessary for letter writers to go into detail about a student’s GPA or other awards, as this information is typically covered elsewhere in the application.

Make Careful Comparisons

It can be very helpful to rank the student in comparison to other groups of students – i.e., among the best undergraduates I’ve ever taught; as good as my graduate students.

However, we recommend that you be careful with comparisons to specific past winners, as several foundation representatives have expressed that this is frowned upon in their committees. One committee member mentioned that she tends to have one of two reactions: “That person was awful; there’s no way I want another one like that!” or “That person was so good; there’s no way this student can compare!” Neither helps the student. The Goldwater Scholarship is one exception to this rule, but if you are ever in doubt, we are happy to provide guidance.

Keep in mind that at the national level, committees see only outstanding students, so they are unmoved to learn, for example, that "Student X was in the top 15% of my class."

Dos and Don'ts

• State how long and in what capacity you’ve known the student.
• Make a declaration early in the letter of your general assessment of the student to frame the rest of your text.
• Take advantage of short paragraphs to create more “white space” on the page. (This may seem trivial, but committee members mention it very frequently!)
• Describe the student’s individual contributions to the classroom, a lab project, community service project, etc.
• Comment on the student’s potential for success in graduate school, in a tutorial setting (at Oxford or Cambridge), as an independent researcher, etc. as appropriate for the scholarship at hand.

Please don’t:

• Give a lengthy description of your course syllabus or your grading policy.
• Write very long letters. Some scholarships have strict limits of 750 or 1000 words. A two-page letter is typical.
• Overly emphasize that the student always came to class on time and did homework, etc. – committee members tend to think two things: Is the student so unremarkable that this is worth mentioning? And, are the rest of the students at your university slackers?
• Mention “grade inflation.” This seems to be a running joke with committee members, who apparently do not take claims of universities or departments “not participating in grade inflation” at all seriously.
• Write letters unless you know the student well and are comfortable doing so.
• Ask students to write their own letters. Students should provide you with the information you need and could perhaps give you a list of things they would like you to highlight, but it is against the  NAFA Code of Ethics  to have students draft their own letters of recommendation. Please contact us with questions. We are happy to advise you through the process of writing your letter.

Submitting Your Letter

Most applications are now submitted electronically, so in most cases we will only need a PDF of your letter on letterhead. The student or the fellowship advisor will contact you to let you know the details of submission.

Some programs (such as the Marshall Scholarship) require you to paste the text of your letter into a textbox in an online form, thus preventing any formatting. While some foundations require that you submit the letter yourself, others (such as Astronaut, Truman and Udall) have you submit the letter to the campus representative.

When students are still at the campus nomination stage of the process, we ask that you submit your letters via the KU campus online letter submission form.

Letter Confidentiality

The Office of Fellowships requires that students waive their right of access for all letters submitted on their behalf and will never share your letter with students. If you wish to share a letter you may do so, but we leave that decision to you. Our policy is in keeping with the wishes of the foundations, many of which will only accept confidential letters.

Keep in mind that letters submitted to the Office of Fellowships will be read by campus nomination committee members. At the campus nomination stage, you may consider your letter a draft to be read by KU colleagues; there is usually plenty of time to make revisions before the national deadline.

Writing Letters of Recommendation

Faculty letters of recommendation are enormously important components of any application for a nationally competitive scholarship.  Candidates for these awards face very long odds; for many scholarships, fewer than 5% of endorsed applicants will be selected for the award. Given this level of competition, scholarship applicants must have truly exceptional letters of recommendation to stand out.

Before Writing the Letter

Before you begin writing, you should have the student complete a Student Recommendation Request Form . This form will provide you with information about the award itself, what motivates the student to apply for this award, why they think they are a good fit for it, and why they believe you are the best person to write a letter on their behalf. The form also prompts students to send you their current résumé or CV and drafts of their application essay(s). Reading the student’s essay(s) can help you assess a student’s talents and ambitions within the context of a particular scholarship.  Effective recommendation letters often amplify or expand on the points that applicants highlight in their essays.

General Guidelines for Strong Letters of Recommendation

• Discuss how long you have known the student and in what context.
• Provide concrete, specific details about the student’s academic performance and scholarly work that show you know the student well and give substance to your claims of the student’s excellence. Be wary of providing hyperbolic praise without examples. If the student is in fact extraordinary and the best student you've ever taught, say that in your letter—but substantiate your point with concrete examples of what makes the student so extraordinary.
• Letters praising good attendance, completing all readings/assignments, and receiving A grades are generally not helpful for national scholarships. Many candidates for national scholarships will share these qualities, so reviewers are looking for more substantive information on the student’s potential as an outstanding scholar and future leader in their field.
• Include rankings or comparisons of the student to peers and/or to previous students you have taught.
• Present a clear account of the ways the student fits the qualifications of the scholarship to which they are applying. One of the best ways to do this is to draw from the language used by the foundation or organization themselves.
• Make sure your final letter appears on official letterhead and is signed.
• Address your letter to the selection committee for the scholarship or fellowship (e.g. “Dear Truman Scholarship Selection Committee,”).
• Leave out information about yourself and your academic background unless it is directly pertinent to your assessment of the student and their qualifications for the scholarship.
• Don’t forget to proofread! If you are writing multiple letters for the same student, double check that your letter references the corresponding scholarship.

Saying “No”

At times, it may be appropriate to say “no” when a student requests a letter of recommendation. This may be the best response if:

• You cannot write a letter that includes positive, specific, substantive information about the student and examples of their scholarly achievements and academic performance. A generic or less than supportive letter can be detrimental to a student’s chances at receiving a competitive award.
• If you do not have the time to craft a carefully worded, highly detailed, and tailored letter.
• If the student approaches you in an unprofessional manner.

Specific Guidelines

The information below provides writers of recommendation letters with specific content suggestions for some of the awards that CFSA students may pursue. As we note above, the strongest letters are those that underscore how the student fits with the specific mission or goal of the award. Some seek students with significant leadership experience and a commitment to service. Others are focused solely on supporting students with exceptional research experience. Knowing what the foundation or organization values is pivotal when writing an effective letter.

If you have any questions regarding your letter of recommendation or the application process, please contact Jolynn Parker at [email protected] or by phone at 315-443-2091.

The Astronaut Scholarship recognizes outstanding undergraduates (sophomores or juniors) in a STEM field who are planning careers in research.  Recommenders should emphasize the applicant’s research achievements and assess their likelihood to influence and advance their field through a future career in research.  The Astronaut Scholarship Foundation values initiative, creativity, and academic excellence.

Send or deliver your completed recommendation letter, signed and on letterhead, to CFSA. Upon receiving all of the applicant’s materials, CFSA will submit them to the Astronaut Scholarship.  Syracuse University nominates two students each year for the Astronaut Scholarship.

The Beinecke Scholarship supports juniors of “exceptional promise” in the humanities, social sciences, or arts who have concrete plans to earn a graduate degree in their field.  The Beinecke Scholarship provides a substantial award to be applied toward graduate school tuition.  Recommenders should highlight students’ intellectual curiosity and character, and comment on their sincere commitment to and aptitude for graduate work and a career of research and academic or creative accomplishment. Letters should speak to students’ significant intellectual experiences, including independent research, conference presentations, exhibitions, and publications. Beinecke letters can be similar to recommendation letters to graduate school since the scholarship supports students who will succeed in graduate study and in academic careers.

Students must demonstrate a financial need to be eligible for this award. Recommenders may comment on how receiving this scholarship would significantly increase the student’s likelihood to attend graduate school if they are familiar with the applicant's circumstances.

Send or deliver your completed recommendation letter, signed and on letterhead, to CFSA. Upon receiving all of the applicant’s materials, CFSA will submit them to the Beinecke Scholarship.  Syracuse University nominates one student for the Beinecke Scholarship each year.

The Boren Fellowship and the Boren Scholarship, for graduate students and undergraduate students respectively, funds the immersive study of a critical need language through coursework and/or independent study abroad. The Boren is awarded to students focused on learning a critical need language and whose career interests align with U.S. national security. Recommenders complete a form submitted through the online application that asks the following questions:

• How long and in what capacity have you known the applicant?
• Please comment on the applicant’s academic, linguistic, and personal preparation for the study plan, especially as they relate to Boren Fellowship objectives. Please comment on the feasibility of the applicant’s ability to carry out the plan in the allotted time. If possible, comment on the applicant’s understanding of the relationship between his or her plan and U.S. national security, broadly defined, as well as his or her career interests.
• Please add anything else that you think is relevant for the reviewers to know.

Recommenders should comment on on the student’s academic, linguistic, and personal preparation for their proposed study plan, including their level of commitment to studying the target language consistently when abroad. Previous language study is not necessary but a history of successful study of the target language, or a demonstrated aptitude for language learning generally, helps to illustrate a student’s level of commitment. Recommenders should evaluate how the proposed experience abroad will prepare the applicant to achieve their career goals, including the Boren required public sector work commitment.

Applicants enter their recommenders’ email addresses into the online Embark application. Recommenders will receive an email generated from the system with login information and directions on how to submit letters of recommendations through the online application system.  Letters should be signed and on letterhead.

The James G. Gaither Junior Fellows Program, administered by the Carnegie Endowment, is designed to provide a substantive work experience for students who have a serious career interest in the area of international affairs.  Strong applicants have excellent research skills, a competitive GPA in a relevant field, and a commitment to a career in international affairs. Recommenders should speak to all of these qualities, particularly emphasizing the candidate's research and writing skills. If possible, comment on coursework or independent research directly related to the applicant's interest in a specific Carnegie Endowment project. If applicable, comment on the applicants's language skills, or other special skills or experiences relevant to the research project in which the candidate is interested.

Syracuse University may nominate two students for the Gaither Junior Fellows Program each year.  CFSA coordinates submission of Gaither Junior Fellows applications. Letters should be signed and on letterhead, and may be sent electronically or by mail to CFSA.

The Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) is an intensive overseas language and cultural immersion programs designed to promote rapid language gains in a critical need language. Recommenders should comment on the following selection criteria: academic record and potential to succeed in a rigorous academic setting; ability to adapt to a different cultural environment; plan for continuation of study of the language; and plan to use the language in future career.

Recommendations should be written as a narrative letter. In the most recent recommendation request form, writers were asked to respond to the following questions within their letters:

• How long have you known the applicant? In what capacity?
• Please comment on the applicant’s overall academic preparation and promise.
• If you are familiar with the applicant’s language-learning abilities, please comment on the applicant’s aptitude for learning a new language.
• This program requires students to study a language intensively in a situation of prolonged interaction with fellow students and to function in a challenging social and cultural environment. Please comment on the applicant’s nonacademic attributes (e.g. emotional and social maturity, motivation, adaptability, cooperation, patience, articulation, politeness, self-reliance, self-image/confidence, open-mindedness, and ability to work well within a group and relate to others).

Applicants will register contact information for recommenders in teh online application system.  Recommenders will receive an email from CLS containing a link with instructions for submitting a recommendation letter.

The German government offers a variety of scholarships and grants through the DAAD program to students, recent graduates, researchers, and professionals. Each program has a specific set of criteria for applicants. Please see the website and/or contact CFSA for detailed requirements.

For all DAAD programs, recommenders are asked to comment on:

• academic achievements
• academic and personal qualities
• (if applicable) the feasibility, relevance, quality, and planning of the student’s project
• the significance of this scholarship to the applicant’s academic and professional career goals

Recommenders should submit letters on university letterhead, signed, and in a sealed envelope to CFSA, as well as three additional copies. The letters will be attached to other application materials and sent to the scholarship’s New York office. For some programs, recommenders will also be asked to email their letter to the appropriate email address below:

Graduate study scholarship (current and rising graduate students): [email protected]

Undergraduate study scholarship: [email protected]

Research (graduate and undergraduate): [email protected]

Recommenders for students applying to one of the DAAD RISE programs must upload their letters through the online application portal.  Recommenders receive instructions by email after an applicant submits their contact information.

Competitive applicants show evidence of superior academic achievement and a high degree of promise of continuing achievement as scholars and teachers. The Ford Fellowships emphasize diversity as an educational resource and expect Fellows to engage with underrepresented communities in higher education. When possible, highlight applicants’ capacity to engage students from diverse backgrounds and sustain or encourage representation from historically underrepresented groups in learning, teaching, and scholarship at the university level.

Recommendations should expand on applicants’ personal statement and statement of previous research. It is highly recommended that you read both of these essays to provide additional detail and to shape a coherent and cohesive application.

Applicants will enter your contact information into their online application. You will receive an email notification containing your login information and requesting a letter of recommendation. Letters must be uploaded to the online application portal. All letters must be PDF files written in a standard 12-point font. Please do not include headers or footers.

Recommendation letters are considered “supplementary materials” and are therefore due by the supplementary materials deadline (generally several weeks later than the application deadline).

Recommendations should expand on applicants’ personal statement, statement of previous research and scholarly productivity, and proposed plan of graduate study. It is highly recommended that you read these essays to provide additional detail and to shape a coherent and cohesive application.

Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship recommenders will be asked to fill out and submit an electronic form rather than uploading a letter.  The Fulbright ETA recommendation form containing a series of short-answer questions that ask you to assess the candidate's communication skills, interest in teaching, ability to facilitate cultural exchange, and ability to work in unstructured environments.  Please be aware that the form has character limits and compose your responses accordingly.  Brief, single sentence answers are unlikely to be helpful--please try to make the most of the character limit available to you.

It can be helpful to read the candidate's Statement of Grant Purpose - the essay in which applicants propose how they will spend their Fulbright year - and Personal Statement before filling out the form. Strong recommendations will attest to the candidate's suitability to the ETA placement using vivid, compelling and specific examples. Fulbright notes that these letters should not merely be character references; the Commission asks recommenders to evaluate applicants’ ability to teach English in a classroom abroad.

The most recent Fulbright ETA sample reference form includes the following questions:

• Based on your observation of and experience with the applicant, comment on their ability to overcome challenges. (120 words or approx. 10 lines)
• In your view, how has this applicant demonstrated qualities associated with teaching or mentoring? (120 words or approx. 10 lines)
• Based on your observation, how might the applicant interact with students, faculty, and community members, among others, in an unfamiliar or unstructured situation or in a different cultural environment? (120 lines or approx. 10 lines)
• What kind of impression, in your view, would the applicant make as a representative of the United States abroad? (120 words or approx. 10 lines)
• Please comment on any other factors which you believe may have a bearing on the applicant's potential to have a successful experience abroad as a Fulbright ETA (comments regarding academic and/or personal experience, maturity, adaptability and flexibility are welcome). (120 words or approx. 10 lines)

References will receive an email from the Fulbright Application system after the applicant has submitted your contact information. Follow the link and the instructions in the email to log in to the online application system. References must be submitted online through this system.

For further instructions and tips, visit Fulbright's Instructions for ETA Recommendation Writers .

Recommenders should highlight applicants’ maturity, adaptability,  (the student will need to persevere through any culture shock or other emotional obstacles), and motivation. Strong letters will address a candidate’s academic and linguistic preparation for the proposed project or study program, and ability to adapt to a different cultural environment. You should also consider the applicant’s likelihood of making a favorable impression of the United States as a cultural ambassador.

It will be useful to take a look at the applicant's Statement of Grant Purpose – the essay in which applicants propose how they will spend their Fulbright year – and Personal Statement. Strong letters will confirm that the candidate's proposed project is feasible and has merit. Letters should speak to an applicant’s level of knowledge and potential for future growth, their research skills (if applicable), as well as their ability to think and write analytically. Fulbright notes that study/research recommendation letters should not merely be character references; the Commission asks recommenders to evaluate applicants’ ability to complete the proposed project.

Only comment on what you feel prepared to comment on or what falls within your area of experience/expertise. For example, while recommenders are asked by the Fulbright Commission to comment on an applicant’s linguistic ability, do not feel compelled to comment if you are unsure of or do not know your student’s linguistic ability.

Vivid, compelling, and specific examples illustrating your assessment of the applicant’s project and character are essential to a candidate’s success in this competition.

Recommenders will receive an email from the Fulbright Application system after the applicant has submitted their contact information. Prepare your letter as a Word document or a PDF, on institutional letterhead and signed. Log in to the online application system using the login information in the Embark email and upload your letter to the system. Letters of recommendation must be submitted online through this system.

For further instructions and tips, visit Fulbright's Instructions for Study/Research Recommendation Writers .

The Fulbright Commission lists “evidence of leadership qualities and initiative, academic ability, character, adaptability and ambassadorial qualities, as well as an interest in the UK and its culture.” Ideally, recommenders will be able to speak to and highlight these characteristics, as well as comment on how the specific program goals align with the student’s academic goals. Students should tell you which program they are pursuing.

Letters should be written specifically for this Fulbright application (the US-UK Fulbright Commission especially discounts any recommendations that appear to be generic in content). Letters will be pasted into an online submission form. All references must be submitted through this form. Applicants should direct referees to the form.

The Gates Cambridge requires three letters of recommendation; two are academic and one is a personal reference which specifically addresses the Gates criteria. The applicant should indicate which letter you are providing.

References are submitted by the referee via an Electronic Reference System, which referees have access to after the student registers the referee in the University of Cambridge GRADSAF online application.

Equally weighted, the Gates criteria include: outstanding intellectual ability; leadership potential; a commitment to improving the lives of others; a good fit between the applicant's qualifications and aspirations and the postgraduate program at Cambridge for which they are applying

Academic reference:

The letter should not be pro forma; discuss the student’s suitability for their chosen program at Cambridge. Selectors consistently indicate that they look for specific actions rather than general qualities, with detailed evidence or suggestive anecdotes to support adjectives. Straightforward letters about the student doing all of the coursework, writing good papers, and getting good grades are not helpful. In fact, boilerplate letters with general praise probably hurt a student more than they help in this competition.

Explain how long and in what capacity you have known the student and clarify where the student ranks in relation to other students you have taught or worked with. If possible, the letter might compare the student with other students who have gone on to top graduate/professional programs.

Please discuss the student’s research interests and projects you have supervised. Be specific in relating instances of academic achievement, be it in a classroom, laboratory, or individual setting. If describing research or a final paper, the letter should help the committee understand its significance and the contribution it has made. If the candidate performed highly efficient lab work, explain if and why that particular work was especially challenging. Is there evidence of creativity and innovation in the candidate’s approach to answering questions or solving problems?

A commitment to improving the lives of others: Discuss the implication's of the student's work and future goals in relation to community and public service. Comment on the prospects for the student to play an influential part in the betterment of society at a local or global level through both their scholarly and personal activities.

A good fit between the applicant's qualifications and aspirations and the postgraduate program at Cambridge for which they are applying: How does the proposed academic program fit the candidate’s scholarly and career plans? Make it clear that the applicant has the potential to perform well in his or her chosen program of study, knowing that students will be expected to work much more independently than in a US program. Explain how study at Cambridge will make a difference in the student’s intellectual growth.

Personal reference:

Outstanding intellectual ability: What is the potential for the student to be a productive member of the discipline? Note any evidence of the candidate's growth over time and how you see potential for further growth.

Leadership potential: Remark upon the leadership qualities of the applicant. Describe the student’s personality, work habits and interpersonal skills. Has s/he built productive relationships with people, engaging with them in his/her field or beyond? Does s/he appreciate the needs, motives and concerns of others? Is the student self‐confident and able to seize opportunities?

A commitment to improving the lives of others: Discuss the work of the student in relation to community and public service. Comment on the prospects for the student to play an influential part in the betterment of society at a local or global level through both their scholarly and personal activities. Non-academic examples might include events organized by the student and volunteer work that demonstrates the candidate’s commitment to helping others.

A good fit between the applicant's qualifications and aspirations and the postgraduate program at Cambridge for which they are applying: How does the proposed academic program fit the candidate’s scholarly and career plans? Make it clear that the applicant has the potential to perform well in his or her chosen program of study, knowing that students will be expected to work much more independently than in a US program. Explain how study at Cambridge will make a difference in the student’s intellectual growth; like the student’s application essay, the letters can help demonstrate a consistent story line of where the students have come from, where they are now and why they ought to be going to this program.

Goldwater referees should comment on the following criteria:

• potential and intent for a career in mathematics, the natural sciences, or those engineering disciplines that contribute significantly to technological advances
• the ability and desire to pursue advanced degrees in the sciences and engineering
• developed career objectives and involvement in an academic program that fosters the student’s ability to make a significant contribution to the chosen field
• demonstrated outstanding academic performance, maturity, initiative, and motivation

Successful letters present the student as a mature researcher and express confidence in the applicant’s research abilities and desire to pursue an advanced degree. Winners are expected to contribute significantly to their fields and display intellectual intensity in their disciplines. It is acceptable for references to provide details of a student’s research to present context, significance, or demonstrating the student’s personality or achievements. However, referees should avoid getting too detailed, clinical, or impersonal with their letters.

Recommendations are submitted online. You will be emailed instructions immediately after the applicant submits the application.

The Hertz Fellowship is one of the most prestigious fellowships available to graduate students in the applied physical, biological, and engineering sciences. Given the financial value and freedom offered by the award, it is extremely competitive and selective.

Hertz Fellows make a unique moral commitment to apply their "skills available to the United States in times of national emergency.” Although the Foundation does not offer a definition for “national emergency,” it lists several examples, including fuel shortages, transportation or communication system overloads, deterioration of environmental quality, and malevolent use of cyberspace. Fellows are charged with responding to these “emergencies” if and when they personally determine that they pose a threat to the United States. That said, the Hertz has a hint of patriotism incorporated into its values and selection process. Referees may want to consider this when writing letters.

The Hertz Fellowship uses the following criteria to screen applicants. References should speak to these cri

• exceptional intelligence and creativity, with particular emphasis on those aspects pertinent to technical endeavors
• excellent technical education evidenced not only by transcripts and reference reports from senior technical professionals, but also by the results of a personal, technical interview
• orientation and commitment to the applications of the physical sciences
• extraordinary accomplishment in technical or related professional studies, which may offset slightly lower academic records, or add luster to outstanding ones
• features of temperament and character conducive to high attainment as a technical professional(the assessment of which is difficult, albeit important to the Foundation)
• appropriate moral and ethical values(of considerable interest to the Foundation in the furthering of its basic goals)
• leverage(what difference the award of the Hertz Fellowship is likely to make in the kind, quality, and/or personal creativity of the student's graduate research)

References must submit the requested Reference Report through an online portal. After the applicant has registered you as a referee, you will receive an email with the necessary access ID and password. Follow the directions in this email to submit your Reference Report. You must use the Hertz Fellowship’s format to answer specific questions presented through the online portal.

The Luce Scholars Program awards recent graduates with a professional placement and language training in Asia. The program is for young professionals who have had limited exposure to Asia. Although candidates may have taken Asian language or Asia-focused courses and may have spent up to 12 weeks in Asia, it is not helpful (and may be harmful) for you to emphasize an applicant’s familiarity or expertise in Asia.

Because the Luce Scholars Program is experiential rather than academic in nature, personal qualities such as flexibility, adaptability, creativity, humility, openness to new ideas, and sensitivity to cultural differences are as important as academic achievement. You should emphasize all relevant personal characteristics in your letter.

Luce Scholars demonstrate an outstanding capacity for leadership and have a record of high achievement. They have mature and clearly defined career interests with evidence of potential for professional accomplishments. Recommenders should reference these criteria in their letters of recommendation. Explain how participation in the Luce program fits the candidate’s scholarly and career plans. Make it clear that the applicant has the potential to perform well in a professional placement in an Asian country, knowing that Scholars will be placed in extremely different business and linguistic environments. Explain how exposure to Asia and the ability to come to know Asian culture will make a difference in the student’s professional and intellectual growth. Like the student’s application essay, the letters can help demonstrate a consistent story line of where the students have come from, where they are now and why they ought to be going to Asia.

Please note that nominees are not judged on whether they have developed specific plans for experience abroad. A candidate may have general ideas about the kind of placement preferred, but this is not considered as either a negative or positive factor.

Straightforward letters about the student completing coursework work, writing good papers, and earning good grades are not very helpful. In fact, boilerplate letters with general praise probably hurt a student more than they help in this competition.

Letters must be signed and sent (as a hard copy) to CFSA. The letters will be added to the candidate’s application and then sent directly to Luce.

Created to honor James Madison’s legacy, Madison Fellows supports graduate study for social science teachers in grades 7-12. The Program seeks to improve teaching about the US Constitution in secondary schools. Recommenders should read the candidate’s application essays and are highly encouraged to discuss specific attributes, personal qualities, and professional accomplishments that were not addressed elsewhere in the application.

Recommendations must be submitted online. You will receive an email with instructions for completing the online recommendation after the applicant submits your contact information.

Candidates for the Marshall are evaluated based on three selection criteria: academic merit, leadership potential, and ambassadorial potential. Reviewers look for candidates who have the potential to excel as scholars, as leaders and as contributors to improved UK-US understanding, especially students who will be active in their host university. For a more detailed review of the selection criteria, see the  Marshall Scholarship - Candidate Evaluation Criteria .

Recommenders should include frank, detailed, and focused evaluations of the candidate, including reviews of the candidate’s character and self-esteem. You may include how the student’s “fares” by criteria outside of academics and university life. Recommendations should explain how studying in the UK in the applicant’s proposed course of study will benefit their future career and prepare them to contribute significantly to society.

Applicants elect one of their recommenders as the “preferred recommender,” who should have supervised the applicant’s university training/study. All recommenders, if possible, are encouraged to evaluate the candidate’s academic proposal and how the proposed academic program fits with the candidate’s academic and career goals. However, the “preferred recommender” is expected to speak to the candidate’s adequate preparation for the proposed course of study.

Marshall reviewers find recommendations without any acknowledgement of a student’s weaknesses to be suspect and therefore discredit them. Be careful of hyperbole and stay specific. It is appropriate to incorporate criticism and a discussion of the student’s areas for growth into this recommendation. It may be helpful to read about constructive ways to incorporate criticism here .

After logging in through the provided URL (sent via email), you will be able to type or copy and paste your recommendation into a form. You will also have full access to the candidate’s application. The word limit for your letter is 1000 words, and a word count facility has been provided.

For more guidance and suggestions on writing a recommendation letter for a Marshall candidate, please contact CFSA.

Applicants are judged on three criteria: scholarship, leadership, and a sustained commitment to community and public service. More specifically, Mitchell selectors are looking for the following criteria and all three fields are equally important:

• Demonstrated record of intellectual distinction, and strong preparation for the proposed course of study;
• Character, integrity, generosity of spirit, leadership; and
• Sustained commitment to service and community, indicating potential for future leadership and contribution to society.

Make sure to include leadership and service directly, and feel free to define these broadly. Evaluate how the student’s proposed academic program fits into the candidate’s scholarly and career plans. Explain how study in Ireland will make a difference in the student’s intellectual growth; like the student’s application essay, the letters can help demonstrate a consistent story line of where the students have come from, where they are now and why they ought to be going to this particular graduate program in Ireland.

The Mitchell Scholarship funds a small cohort of scholars to study in Ireland each year. The small size makes it a more personal program, so application readers are especially interested in applicants’ character. Do not hesitate to include specifics when evaluating a student’s character.

While it is not necessary, it is highly encouraged to include peace and conflict issues in Ireland and US-Irish history and their relevance to the student’s course of study or career goals if appropriate. Mitchell scholars serve as cultural ambassadors and must demonstrate a desire to get to know the culture and people of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

Mitchell reviewers find recommendations without any acknowledgement of a student’s weaknesses to be suspect and therefore discredit them. Be careful of hyperbole and stay specific. The Mitchell Scholarship recommends that references are forthright and acknowledge an applicant’s limitations and potential for growth. It may be helpful to read about constructive ways to incorporate criticism here .

Recommenders will receive a link to submit their letter of recommendation online. You may either type directly into the text field or copy and paste from a recommendation written in a word processing program. Please note that there is no special formatting in the long text fields provided (bold text, indentation, etc. will be stripped). The web browser will time out every 20 minutes, so save your recommendation if you are typing it directly into the online field.

For more guidance and suggestions on writing a recommendation letter for a Mitchell candidate, please contact CFSA.

Rising juniors spend five weeks at George Washington’s Mount Vernon learning from experienced corporate, government, and military leaders. The leadership development program culminates in a community service-focused capstone project.

Letters should speak to the candidate’s character, academic achievement, and leadership potential. The program is looking for young adults “of action” who will commit themselves to a cause they believe in. When possible, share details about how your applicant has shown excitement, passion, and creativity when encountering a challenge. Comment on the student’s sense of adventure and vision.

Because all Fellows complete a capstone project, it is recommended that references speak to the applicant’s ability to prepare and pursue an action plan around a central cause. If possible, discuss the applicant’s past work on this cause.

Recommendations are sent by email to [email protected] and can be addressed to the Manager of the Leadership Fellows, Amanda Hadad. Please write the subject line as “Recommendation for Firstname Lastname.”

This unique dual-mentored program supports doctoral study and research both at the National Institutes of Health and either the University of Oxford or Cambridge.

Letters of recommendation are weighed especially heavily in the application process, particularly letters written by research mentors. Because of the intensive nature of the program, recommenders should comment on the applicant’s organizational, time management, and research skills. Referees should also speak to the student’s focus, drive, and intellect, as well as the applicant’s potential for a productive career in the biomedical sciences.

NIH OxCam administrators outline a number of criteria for selecting recipients. Not all of the criteria below are necessary, but they will bolster the applicant’s application. Letters of recommendation should comment on these criteria when possible. It is highly recommended that referees read the applicant’s personal statement and expand on the themes therein to help craft a cohesive and coherent application.

• Academic achievements
• Substantial research experience (This is one of the best predictive factors for success in the program. The Director of Admissions notes that most successful applicants worked in a laboratory during college and it is not unusual for applicants to have at least two to three years of research experience.)
• Scientific publications (co-authored manuscripts, poster presentations, conference participation)
• Honors and awards from the university or outside agencies

Referees will receive an email request for a letter of recommendation after the applicant has entered recommenders’ contact information and has saved the application. Letters must be submitted through the online application.

The NSF GRFP considers two overarching criteria – intellectual merit and broader impacts – and gives the following guidelines:

Intellectual Merit : The intellectual merit criterion includes demonstrated intellectual ability and other accepted requisites for scholarly scientific study, such as the ability to: (1) plan and conduct research; (2) work as a member of a team as well as independently; and (3) interpret and communicate research findings. Panelists are instructed to consider: the strength of the academic record, the proposed plan of research, the description of previous research experience, the appropriateness of the choice of references and the extent to which they indicate merit, Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) General and Subject Tests scores, and the appropriateness of the choice of institution for fellowship tenure relative to the proposed plan of research.

Broader Impacts : The broader impacts criterion includes contributions that (1) effectively integrate research and education at all levels, infuse learning with the excitement of discovery, and assure that the findings and methods of research are communicated in a broad context and to a large audience; (2) encourage diversity, broaden opportunities, and enable the participation of all citizens—women and men, underrepresented minorities, and persons with disabilities—in science and research; (3) enhance scientific and technical understanding; and (4) benefit society. Applicants may provide characteristics of their background, including personal, professional, and educational experiences, to indicate their potential to fulfill the broader impacts criterion.

It is especially important for NSF GRFP recommendation writers to read their student’s graduate research plan and to focus on the student’s ability to contribute significantly to their field. Recommenders should discuss the student as a scientist/mathematician/engineer. In addition to noting the applicant’s publications, lab work, and teaching (if applicable), recommenders should speak to the applicant’s temperament and resourcefulness, as well as comment on how the applicant has or could represent the university well at recruiting events, presentations, or conferences. Feel free to share your opinion of the applicant’s potential for future significant achievement. Discuss the unique qualities or activities of the applicant; help your student stand out from the crowd.

Unlike other recommendation letters, it is appropriate and sometimes necessary to give some scientific detail and background to provide context for the student’s research goals and/or previous work.

GRFP reference letters may be up to two pages in length. If possible, submit your letter on letterhead. Letters should be signed, prepared on standard 8.5” x 11” page size, and use 12-point Times New Roman or Computer Modern font.

Letters must be submitted through the Fastlane online application portal. Referees will receive an email with instructions on submitting letters through this portal after the applicant completes the appropriate section of the application.

For further information and tips from NSF GRFP, see their reference requirements here .

Both the Payne and the Rangel Fellowships fund a combined graduate study, internship, and mentorship program for students interested in pursuing a career in the Foreign Service. The Payne Fellowship prepares award recipients for work in the USAID specifically while the Rangel Fellowship presents a pathway into the Foreign Service more broadly. The fellowships have different deadlines, but they share selection criteria and are both administered by Howard University. Letters of recommendation have the same parameters and submission protocol. However, Payne Fellowship applicants and referees must speak specifically to the applicant’s interest, commitment, and suitability to working for the USAID.

The selection panels for these awards judge applicants on several criteria, including: clear interest in a Foreign Service career with the U.S. Department of State; academic background and achievement; potential to succeed in graduate school; commitment to service; leadership skills; financial need for graduate school; diverse interests in areas such as international affairs and government; cultural sensitivity; writing skills; resourcefulness; integrity; composure; and an ability to overcome obstacles.

Referees should speak to the applicant’s strengths, particularly of the skills in the chart below. Make sure to comment on the applicant’s potential to succeed in graduate school and the Foreign Service. Referees are also invited to comment on the applicant’s areas for improvement.

Of the two letters of recommendation required for these scholarships, one should come from a faculty member, and one should come from a community leader. These referees should speak to different qualifications. The community leader should comment on an applicant's non-academic accomplishments and potential, including work ethic, initiative, dependability, composure, goal-orientation, inter-personal skills, etc. Examples of community leaders could include an internship supervisor, a faculty advisor for a student organization, or a work employer or supervisor. The faculty reference should speak to the student’s academic performance and likelihood to excel in the chosen graduate program.

Referees will receive an email with directions and a recommendation form. You are asked to both provide a narrative recommendation as well as ranking the applicant in several criteria in the provided chart:

Letters of recommendation should be limited to 12-point font or larger and should not exceed two pages.

Letters of recommendation for the Pickering Fellowship at both the undergraduate and the graduate levels should reference the “ 13 dimensions ” of a Foreign Service Officer. Whenever possible, speak to these qualities in your student. Referees should explain why the applicant is uniquely qualified for the fellowship and, if possible, the applicant’s potential to thrive in a graduate program.

Once the applicant has submitted your email address, you will receive an email from The Washington Center, which administers the Pickering application process. The email will direct you to an online form where you will enter some basic information and upload your letter.

CFSA highly recommends that referees read the applicant’s personal statement before crafting a letter of recommendation to help shape a coherent and cohesive application.

The Rhodes criteria include:

Applicants are also more competitive if they can demonstrate a desire and a need to study at Oxford and their specific program of choice.

The Rhodes Trust requires applicants to submit at least five but no more than eight letters of recommendation. At least four of these letters must come from academic instructors at the undergraduate or graduate level, and at least one letter must speak to an applicant’s character. Because of the high number of recommendations, it is important for recommenders to get detailed in how you know and have worked with the student, and to show concrete evidence that this student is among the nation’s best. Address what is most relevant to you, your discipline, and your relationship with the applicant.

Recommenders must distinguish what makes the student especially accomplished and especially able to influence the nation (now or in the future). If possible, emphasize the student’s public service and athletic ability

Rhodes reviewers find recommendations without any acknowledgement of a student’s weaknesses to be suspect and therefore discredit them. Be careful of hyperbole and stay specific. It is appropriate to incorporate criticism and a discussion of the student’s areas for growth into this recommendation. It may be helpful to read about constructive ways to incorporate criticism here .

The student will register you as a recommender in the online application system. The Rhodes online application system will send an email with instructions for submitting your letter by the national deadline. The letter should be signed and on letterhead. Address your letter to the Rhodes Scholarship Selection Committee.

For more guidance and suggestions on writing a recommendation letter for a Rhodes candidate, please contact CFSA.

For guidance and suggestions on writing a recommendation letter for a St. Andrew’s candidate, please contact CFSA.

New in the 2016-2017 academic year, the Schwarzman Scholars program requires four letters of recommendation. For current students, one of these letters comes from the institution and provides context for university-specific awards, grading systems, extracurricular activities, scholarships, etc.

All referees should comment on the applicant’s leadership qualities, experience, and potential. If possible, speak to the candidate’s ability to thrive in an intensive academic and cross-cultural setting. Although the scholarship only has one cohort of successful applicants thus far, the award winners are all extraordinarily high-achieving, innovative, and risk-taking students.

Submitted in narrative form, Schwarzman requests that letters address the following questions:

• How long have you know the candidate and in what capacity?
• How does this candidate’s intellectual and academic abilities compare to other students from your institution? Does s/he demonstrate broad interests, sharp insights on complex issues, flexibility of thinking, and curiosity about the world? To the extent that your knowledge of the candidate permits, please provide specific examples.
• Please describe this candidate’s personal characteristics and experiences that will contribute to her/his potential to take on leadership roles in the future. How does this candidate compare to others who have gone on to leadership positions after studying/working/volunteering with you?

After the applicant has completed and saved the recommendations portion of the online application, referees will receive an email with instructions on how to upload letters of recommendations online. All letters must be submitted electronically.

Successful applicants demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and a strong interest in peace and security issues. Candidates have preferably completed graduate study, a college major, extensive coursework or independent reading that relates directly to the fellowship’s subject of focus. Selectors especially seek out candidates with experience in public-interest activism and/or advocacy, particularly if these activities relate to peace and security issues. The fellowship gives preference to applicants without substantial experience in Washington, DC public-interest or governmental work.

Letters of reference should address: the accomplishments and standing of the candidate; the candidate’s interest and experience in international peace and security issues; the candidate’s ability to communicate, both orally and in writing; the candidate’s maturity and judgment, and the candidate’s potential to make a significant contribution to peace and security issues.

Referees may submit their letters either directly to Scoville (at [email protected] ) or to CFSA, where the letters will be bundled with the student’s other application materials. Signatures are preferred but are not required. The letter must be submitted as an attached Word of PDF document rather than in the body of the email. Please title the document “Last name of applicant-Last name of letter writer.” In certain cases, Scoville will (reluctantly) accept paper references.

Soros Fellows are selected as examples of the richness that refugees and immigrants contribute to the United States. The Soros Fellowship program awards especially promising New Americans in an effort to “level the playing field.” In addition to suggesting that all referees read the applicant’s essays (which are unique to the Soros Fellowship application), Soros offers the following suggestions for recommenders:

• Highlight how an applicant meets the Fellowship's criteria, which emphasize creativity, initiative, originality and sustained accomplishment.
• Explore the applicant's commitment to the Bill of Rights and Constitution, or more broadly, their sense of citizenship in a community.
• Contextualize the challenges, opportunities and choices that an applicant has faced, whether they are cultural or educational.
• Educate the reader about an applicant's field or sub-field, and the level of an applicant's strengths and work within that context.
• Describe the extent of the applicant's promise of significant contributions to US society, culture or their respective academic field.
• Explain the relevance an applicant's graduate training to his or her long-term career goals, and of potential value in enhancing his or her future accomplishments.

Once an applicant registers you as a recommender, you will receive an email from the online application system directing you to the “Recommender Registration” page. After registering, you will be able to upload your letter of recommendation. Please save and upload your letter as a PDF or a Word document. You cannot type the recommendation directly into the online system.

The Tillman Scholars program supports American active-duty service members, veterans and military spouses.   Only one character recommendation is required for Tillman applicants.

Tillman Scholars are chosen based on the following criteria: record of personal achievement, academic and career ambitions, demonstration of service to others in the community, desire to continue to serve others and make a positive impact on your community, leadership potential, compelling, thoughtful, genuine and thorough essay question responses, record of military service and/or community impact as a military spouse. It is recommended that referees speak to these criteria and read the applicant’s essay to help craft a cohesive and coherent application.

Applicants must submit the name and contact information of one referee. After doing so, the referee will receive log-in information from the Pat Tillman Foundation and will answer “three standardized short questions” about the candidate’s character. Each question has a maximum word count of no more than 200 words. No separate letters are required.

Successful applicants usually demonstrate an extensive record of campus and community service, commitment to a career in government, nonprofit, or advocacy, communication skills, a high probability of becoming a “change agent,” and a strong academic record with likely acceptance to the graduate school of the candidate’s choice. In general, the record of campus and community service and the commitment to a career in public service are the most important criteria. Letter writers should focus on these two criteria. It is important to read through the student’s application essays to align your recommendation letter with the applicant’s goals written therein.

Truman applicants submit three letters of recommendation. Each letter addresses one of three selection criteria outlined below. References are welcome to address more than one criteria in one letter, but you must address the criteria written on the cover sheet provided to you by the student. It may be helpful to know who the other letter writers are and the angle they are taking so you can provide a different perspective.

• Leadership Abilities and Potential:   This letter should confirm the experience described in Question 7 (specific example of your leadership).  The letter writer need not have witnessed the example first hand, but he or she should be able to discuss the example and how it fits within the context of the student's leadership.
•   Commitment to a Career in Public Service:   This letter should confirm the experience described in Question 8 (recent, satisfying public service activity).  The letter writer need not have witnessed the activity first hand, but he or she should be able to discuss the example and how it fits within the context of the student's commitment to a career in public service.
•   Intellect and Prospects for Continuing Academic Success:   This letter should discuss the student's overall academic background in context of the student's future plans for career and graduate school (Questions 11 to 13).  It is recommended, though not required, that the writer have taught the student at some point.

Unlike many other scholarships, the Truman Scholarship does not shy away from students who are comfortable with public abrasion; in fact, the Foundation celebrates these students. Truman Scholars are expected to be the movers and shakers of the future. Do not be afraid to incorporate anecdotes or other specific examples that speak to the applicant’s fervor or comfort with public abrasion.

Letters should be addressed to the Truman Selection Committee and should not be more than two pages. Complete and sign the cover sheet provided by the student, attach your letter of recommendation, and send or deliver the letter to CFSA. CFSA will package all application materials together and send them to the Truman Scholarship Foundation.

It is especially helpful to read the student’s prepared essays before writing a recommendation letter for the Udall Scholarship. Applicants must prepare several responses that clearly articulate their personal background, educational and career plans, as well as an essay applying Congressman Udall’s achievements to the applicant’s own background. These responses can provide excellent substance, and tying the content of these responses into your letter can have a big impact on the reader. Refer to the applicant’s written materials when you can.

It is important to be very clear about the student’s relation to their chosen topic (environmental issues, tribal health care, tribal policy, Native American issues). Tailor your letter to reflect the student’s interest and commitment to the topic.

In addition to the suggestions above, recommenders should include the following criteria in their letters: evidence of academic success and confidence in future academic success; communication skills, especially those that may be used to contribute to the applicant’s chosen field; confidence about the student’s potential to contribute significantly contributions to the chosen field. Candidates who most often stand out are those that demonstrate a commitment to activities, volunteerism, and leadership.

Udall selection committee members warn references not to focus too much on the content of the scholarship or Congressman Udall. If you choose to do so, relate the information back to the applicant as soon as possible.

Letter writers are recommended to keep their letters to one page. Recommenders should send their letters to CFSA via email. CFSA will upload them to the online application portal.

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Recommendation Letters

Recommendation letters are a critical element of every application. They validate the claims you've made as an applicant, providing specific examples and details of your academic accomplishments, personal endeavors, and character. Selection committees rely on them to impartially evaluate your performance and potential to be successful in the opportunity you are pursuing. Good letter-writers are those who know you well enough to provide these assessments with enthusiasm and authenticity.

Academic letters are typically written by faculty, lecturers, or faculty research advisors who have overseen your work in courses, research settings, or other academic contexts. These letters generally address how you performed, your potential for future success in the field, and any other attributes that make you qualified for the particular award. Post-doctoral associates/fellows and graduate students may also have insight into your performance if they've worked with you in a course or project. However, depending on the fellowship or research opportunity, they do not usually make suitable academic letter-writers. It is important that you check the criteria of the award and/or check-in with administrators who manage the award to see whether letters from non-faculty members would be appropriate for that opportunity.

Some students, especially those in their early college years, have not yet had the opportunity to directly interact with faculty – perhaps you have had more direct interaction with Teaching Fellows ("TFs"). In these cases, you might consider asking the faculty course leader or head of a research group to work together with your TF to generate a co-signed letter. Keep in mind, though, that coordinating co-signed letters takes more time than usual, so plan ahead. Peers (other college students or recent alumni in student organizations), on the other hand,  are not suitable letter writers. If you're applying for a non-academic opportunity, or one that is specifically interested in learning about the applicant's personal attributes (character, leadership potential, commitment to service, etc.), then you might consider asking for a letter of recommendation from a College staff member or organization supervisor, coach, faculty who may be familiar with your work outside of the classroom, work supervisor, or Resident Dean or other House staff.

Letters from high school teachers or your high school years: Soliciting letters from high school teachers is not usually acceptable for fellowship and research opportunities at the college level. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. If you've engaged in research as a high school student and are applying to a competitive research fellowship that funds independent study (e.g. Herchel Smith Harvard Summer Science Fellowship ) as a first-year student, it may be acceptable to provide a letter from that experience, but only if the writer can provide strong evidence that you are qualified to pursue an independent research project.

Navigating Recommendations

Letters of recommendation are a critical part of academic and professional development. If you need a letter from a faculty member, research advisor, or other Harvard community member, do not be afraid to ask if they'd be willing to provide you a strong recommendation letter (even if the deadline is still years away, for instance, a medical school/graduate school application).

Help them help you.

• Ask for recommendation letters in advance of the deadline—at least 3-4 weeks' notice is typical. Usually, letters of recommendation are due at the  same time as your own materials! Please take note of this.
• Remind the recommender how they know you, if they have not heard from you in a while. If being in their course was significant to your development or trajectory, let them know! You might also consider re-sending a copy of a paper or project you wrote for their class, to remind them of your good work.
• Give your recommenders specific instructions – this includes how, where, and when to submit the recommendation letter and any guidance from the selection committee on specific topics recommenders should be addressing. If you'd like the recommender to highlight events, skills, or experiences that speak to your qualifications for the opportunity, tell them so. Invite their questions about your materials and the application process, and check-in with them frequently as the deadline approaches.
• Don’t be afraid to ask for multiple letters. Recommenders who have agreed to support your application for one opportunity may also be willing to recommend you for another. If you are considering asking for multiple letters, you'll need to provide specific information about each opportunity, so that your recommender knows how to tailor their letter to best complement your application. (Remember, give plenty of notice—just because they have written for you before doesn't mean they can write a new letter overnight!) Check in frequently to see if they have any questions or concerns or need more information from you.

Give thanks and provide updates.

Regardless of the outcome of your application, be sure that you let your recommenders know you appreciate the effort and time they put toward the recommendation and update them on the outcome of your joint efforts. Even after the experience is long over, do your best to check-in with those recommenders; keeping them engaged with your trajectory is the best way to keep them engaged as your advocate and mentor.

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Letters of recommendation are one of the most important elements in a student's application for a national or international scholarship. Many of these awards are incredibly competitive. Applicants require excellent letters of recommendation in order to stand out.

Tips and Suggestions

• Address your letter to the selection committee for the scholarship or fellowship they are applying for. (For example, "Dear Goldwater Scholarship Selection Committee.")
• Discuss how long you have known the applicant and in what context.
• Wherever possible, provide specific and detailed examples of what the applicant has done. Be careful of giving hyperbolic praise without evidence. 
• Avoid listing academic information that is likely to be on the student's transcript (GPA, class rank, majors, minors) unless there is something not captured in the data that is important to share. 
• Many awards prefer you to include rankings or comparisons of the student to peers and/or to previous students you have taught. Percentages sometimes help: "This student ranks in the top 10% of students I have taught during my career in terms of intellectual curiosity."
• Letters praising good attendance, completing all assignments, and receiving A grades are generally not helpful. Many candidates for national scholarships will share these qualities. Reviewers are looking for more substantive information on the student’s potential as an outstanding scholar or future leader in their field.
• Be honest, but cautious about criticism. Committees take it seriously. Be fair to both the candidate and to the reader.
• Make the case for why the student is a strong candidate for the specific award they are applying to. Connect the student's talents and experiences to the selection criteria for the award. (See below for guidance on writing for specific awards.)
• While you can always ask students for resumes, descriptions of awards, and their particular interests, please do not ask the student to write the letter for you as an academic exercise, even if you plan to make substantial changes to their draft; this is specifically prohibited by most competitive fellowships.

Recommendation Guidance for Specific Awards

English Teaching Assistant (ETA) Awards: The application uses an online recommendation form rather than traditional letters. You will be asked to complete several short-answer questions online on such things as the applicant's communication skills, interest in teaching, and ability to work in unstructured environments. You should speak to the applicant's ability to teach English in a classroom abroad based on their intellectual and professional preparation.

Research/Study Awards: These applications require traditional letters of recommendation . Letters should be written in English (or accompanied by an official English translation), printed on institutional letterhead, and signed by you. The letter should discuss the applicant's ability to carry out the proposed project or course of study, their preparation and suitability for the endeavor, and their ability to represent the U.S. abroad.

For both ETA and research/study , recommenders should, according to Fulbright, “keep in mind that the applicant will be serving as a cultural ambassador representing the United States and that personal suitability, as well as academic excellence, is an important criterion to be considered.” These are not general character references. They should speak directly to the specific award type and the applicant's potential to be an excellent Fulbrighter.

From Goldwater Scholarship website:

• Letter format and submission requirements
• Letter writing guidance

Marshall website: Information for Recommenders.

Mitchell website: Recommenders and Endorsers .

NSF-GRFP website: Reference Writers .

Rhodes website: Guidance for Referees - USA .

Truman website: Letters of Recommendation .

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Applying for Fellowship: What You Need to Know

By Ole-Petter Hamnvik, MB BCh BAO, MMSc

Published July 21, 2017

Applying for fellowships is a stressful process. It not only involves making major decisions that will impact your life but it also requires creating a competitive application and preparing for high-stakes interviews, all while you are still fulfilling your responsibilities as a resident. NEJM Resident 360 hosted a discussion with a panel of experts on preparing for fellowship to explore many of these issues. In this blog post, I share some personal tips and useful advice from our panel experts on how to be a successful fellowship candidate.

Be the Early Bird

Creating a successful application for fellowship does not start one or two months before applications are due. Starting the process a year before you apply can ensure that you are ahead of the game.

Here are some things to think about during the year before applying: 

Decide on your subspecialty:

You may be someone who knew you wanted to be a cardiologist when you applied to medical school or you may still be undecided about specialties. If you are in the second category, try to find clinical experiences in the subspecialty during your elective period, ambulatory block (for outpatient-focused specialties), or inpatient rotations in specialties that you are considering (for specialties with a heavy inpatient load, such as cardiology and oncology). Talk to fellows and faculty in the specialty to learn what their life is like. Discuss your choices with advisors (e.g., your residency program director) or mentors. You might also find the NEJM Resident 360 blog post Family Medicine, Rad Onc, or OB? How to Choose a Specialty helpful. 

Invest in at least one rotation in your chosen subspecialty:

Most fellowships want at least one letter from a faculty member in the subspecialty that you are applying for. As you set up your schedule for the year, ensure that you have at least one rotation that will give you time with a subspecialty faculty member who can write a letter of recommendation for you.

Take part in research projects to enhance your application :

Depending on your subspecialty and career plans, consider working on a project that either has a research or educational focus or on a case report or case series during the year before you apply. This is particularly important if you plan to have a career that includes nonclinical or nontraditional activities such as research, medical education, health policy, global health, hospital administration, and medical writing. Participating in such activities in addition to patient care will demonstrate your commitment and set you apart from other applicants. 

Take time out of the training path:

Many residents are interested in taking a year off to do research, work as a hospitalist, or act as a chief medical resident. In many cases, this may strengthen your application. However, being away from clinical medicine for too long might elicit concern about your clinical skills when you return to practice. Make sure to address your decision to take time out in your personal statement and be prepared during your interview to explain why you decided to take that path, how you spent this time, and how the experience will help you during fellowship and your career. If you were a hospitalist and practiced independently for an extended period, you may be asked about the challenges of being a trainee again and required to run your plans by someone else. 

Assembling Your Application

As the application submission deadlines loom closer (within 6 months), start collecting all the documents that you need to create your application. Some components depend only on you (e.g., the personal statement and resume) while other parts require input from busy people (e.g., letters of recommendation). The earlier you start, the better! 

Here are the steps required to assemble your application: 

Familiarize yourself with the application requirements:

Most subspecialties use the Electronic Residency Application Service ( ERAS ). Some programs and subspecialties have specific requirements, so you will want to review the ERAS website in detail as well as the relevant fellowship program websites. 

Request letters of recommendation (LoR):

How many? Aim for four letters if the number is not specified. Check program requirements on the ERAS and program websites. 

Who should write the letters? After you review the letter requirements for your programs, think about who can write a meaningful LoR about your abilities as a doctor rather than someone who will rehash your CV. Usually, one of the letters is from your residency program director. Others can be written by clinicians in general medicine or subspecialties with whom you have worked. If you have been involved in research or education projects, get LoRs from your project supervisor. Include at least one letter from a subspecialist in the specialty that you are applying for. 

When should I ask for the letter? Asking for a letter while you are still working with a faculty member is best — and the earlier the better — as this allows them to pay more attention to your performance in real time and perhaps take note of specific strengths or examples. You can provide additional instructions on how to submit the LoR closer to the due date. 

How do I ask for the letter? First, don’t be afraid to ask! All faculty members at institutions with residency programs are accustomed to writing LoRs. You can email your request, but also offer to meet in person to discuss your career plans. Writers based outside of the U.S. may require more guidance. An international faculty member may be brief about your abilities, and this could be perceived more negatively than intended. Providing sample LoRs could be helpful. 

Here are some more helpful tips: 

Ask if they feel they know you well enough to write a positive letter on your behalf

Provide an updated copy of your CV and your personal statement to frame the LoR

Consider noting specific areas on your CV that you would like highlighted

Always remember to thank your letter writers, especially after you match, because they will be curious about the outcome! 

How are the letters submitted? Letters are submitted electronically via ERAS. Make sure you review the ERAS procedure carefully and instruct your letter writers on how to submit their LoRs. 

Write your personal statement:

Your CV and LoR may be prioritized over your personal statement, but programs use your personal statement to learn more about you. The personal statement is the only place in your application where you can add your voice and bring together all of the pieces of your application. Send your personal statement to friends and mentors to ensure that it is error-free. Keep it brief — no more than one page. 

Some questions you may want to ask yourself as you write your personal statement include:

What experiences make you a strong candidate for this program?

What parts of your application suggest that you will have a successful career?

How can you draw the reader’s focus on your unique achievements?

What relevant information is not included elsewhere on the application (e.g., unexplained absences from clinical work or a failed exam)? 

Create your application/CV:

ERAS will prompt you to input all the information that fellowship program directors are looking for, such as education, academic projects, publications, etc. Include all achievements, including ongoing projects. Be prepared to address anything that is on your application during the interview.

Select programs to apply to and submit your application:

Once you have created your application, you will submit it to programs (usually via ERAS). Deciding how many and which programs to apply to will depend on personal preferences, your competitiveness as an applicant, and the type of training you seek. For example, if you are planning a career as a clinician-investigator, focus on academically oriented programs. If you had some struggles during medical school or residency and therefore do not have a very strong application, you may need to apply more broadly. Your residency program director can help you decide how many and what programs to apply to. Look at the fellowship program website to find out the career paths of prior fellows.

Acing the Interview

Fellowship interviews are often a bit more involved than residency interviews. The number of faculty members and trainees is much smaller in the fellowship program, and some fellows may stay on faculty after their fellowship. Therefore, faculty will be considering you as a potential future colleague and want to determine in the interview whether you will be a good fit.

Tips for acing the interview include: 

Be engaged: Show your best side during the interview day. Make sure you are rested. Do not schedule interviews when you are post-call! Be social, put your phone away, and get to know the faculty, fellows, and other applicants.

Practice and prepare : Many residency programs will offer mock interviews with experienced fellowship interviewers. Even if you do not have the opportunity to do a mock interview, prepare answers to commonly asked questions and practice delivering these answers out loud. 

Some interview topics to prepare for include:

talking about yourself

your strengths/weaknesses

describe a challenging patient interaction and how you resolved it

where you want to be in 5 to 10 years (You don’t have to be specific but you should have some sense of what you would like to do and how you will get there.) 

Make sure you know what questions interviewers are not allowed to ask (e.g., what other programs you applied to, age, gender, religion, sexual orientation, and family status). If any of these questions come up, try to make light of it and take the conversation in a different direction. Let your residency program director know if you are concerned about questions asked during your interview. 

Know your interviewers : Many fellowships will give you the interview schedule ahead of time; make sure you read about the interviewers and their interests. If you know the program has a faculty member that might make a good mentor, make sure to contact the program well ahead of time to see if they can schedule an interview with that person. In addition to the division’s website, you can find useful information about interviewers on PubMed, LinkedIn, Doximity, Google, etc. This information will allow you to find some common points for discussion during the interview. 

Ask questions : You should have read the program’s website in detail before the interview. Reviewing the website of the medical school or the medical center might also be helpful. You may find information on a relevant grant or multidisciplinary initiative. Prepare honest questions to help get to the essence of the type of curriculum the program offers (including clinical experiences you would like to learn more about, research mentorship, or non-clinical training opportunities).

Interact with current fellows: They are on the front lines and can tell you more about call schedules, work hours, and other day-to-day questions than any of the faculty members. In addition, current fellows can give you the inside scoop on the program, the program director, and mentorship.

Send thank you notes: Sending a thank-you note (via email or snail mail) is not required and may not be reciprocated. If your post-interview feelings are genuine, you can choose to send a quick note to express your ongoing interest in the program and you can include specific points, but do not cut and paste a generic thank you note. If there are been major updates to your application, let the program know.

Post-interview communication: The official match policy is to discourage any communication from the program to the applicant after the day of the interview. Therefore, if you do not hear from the program, it does not necessarily indicate a lack of interest in you. However, fellowship programs are not prohibited from contacting you so you may get a call or an email, usually just to check if you have any additional questions. Programs cannot ask you how you are going to rank them. If you have concerns about a post-interview communication, discuss it with your residency program director who can help resolve the situation. 

Once you are done with the interview season, you will need to submit your rank list and wait for match day! Good luck!

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What is the role of a recommendation or language evaluation.

A letter of recommendation is a specific opportunity for someone who knows you well to confirm that:

• your plans fit with who you are and your interests
• your project is sound
• you are qualified and prepared to take it on

Your recommender can also be a great resource for guidance and support. Have conversations with potential recommenders early on. This will give you a chance to take advantage of all their feedback and give your recommender time to write a strong letter based on specific knowledge of your proposal.

Think about whom to ask

Asking the right people is key.  Your recommender should be someone who:

• knows you well.
• has appropriate expertise and experience in the field.
• has first-hand knowledge of your background/experience in a relevant setting (academic or professional).
• has good knowledge of the preparation you have undertaken for this project.

Asking for multiple letters:

If you need to request more than one letter of recommendation, you'll want to think about:

• how the letters of recommendation will complement one another
• how the letters speak to different aspects of your application

You will also want to think about what the fellowship is looking for. Consider:

• what are the skills/leadership qualities/experiences/values the fellowship committee is looking for?
• who is best-placed to talk about things you have done which demonstrate these?
• which of these elements would you like each recommender to focus on?

Language evaluations

You will want to ask someone who has taught you recently in the relevant language at Yale or elsewhere. Even if you haven't studied a language at Yale, you may still be able to get a language evaluation from a Yale language instructor, if you ask well in advance.

Contact the relevant language department or the Center for Language Study .

Build a relationship first

Building a relationship with your recommender will allow them to write more informed and more personally engaged letters that address what makes your proposal not only feasible but also worth supporting.

• Get to know your recommender as a mentor and let them get to know you.
• Discuss your larger interests and goals.
• Discuss the specifics of your project/fellowship application.
• Ask for their advice about potential projects, readings, courses of study, etc. 

For tips on establishing a relationship with a faculty member/adviser, attend one of the Poorvu Center for Teaching and Learning's workshops on Cultivating Faculty Mentors.

Schedule an appointment

Once you have discussed your overall plans, it is a good idea to discuss the specific fellowship to which you are applying. Your recommender will need an overview of:

• what you're proposing to do with the fellowship.
• what makes you a good candidate.
• what the fellowship committee might be looking for.

To help them establish this overview, it's helpful to share with your recommender:

• A current résumé.
• A copy/draft of your personal statement, or fellowship proposal.
• A link to the specific fellowship information site.
• Reminders about the work you have done for this professor that will help you highlight what makes you a strong candidate; past papers or exams are especially helpful.
• A copy of your transcript (unofficial is fine)
• The official description of the criteria the recommender's letter should address
• The timeline you are working to and the deadline of the fellowship application.

Tip: Write your recommenders and language evaluators a note of thanks—and don't forget to let them know what happens.

Ask well in advance of the deadline

Three to four weeks may be adequate, but it is helpful to consult with the recommender or language evaluator to see how much lead-time they need. This is especially true for letters and evaluations for major fellowships, letters and evaluations to be written over breaks, and letters and evaluations needed for popular deadlines.

If a recommender asks you to provide a draft of your own recommendation…

You may ethically provide a list of bullet points you would like the letter to address and/or a factual narrative of key achievements (avoid adjectives)—along with other supporting information (such as listed above). Explain that you are unable to write a draft that provides the kind of judgment and comparative evaluation that only the recommender can provide and that helps make for a strong recommendation. You may refer them to this website.

Looking for more? Try the helpful article by Leonard Cassuto in the Chronicle of Higher Education . Poorvu Center for Teaching and Learning offers workshops on Cultivating Faculty Mentors/Recommendations

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How To Write a Fellowship Letter of Recommendation in 6 Steps

A letter of recommendation for a fellowship can be a powerful tool in helping students become competitive applicants for highly sought after awards. It helps to provide an objective assessment of the applicant’s qualifications and background and can be an important factor in the selection process. When writing a letter of recommendation for a fellowship, it is important to keep in mind the purpose and goals of the fellowship for which the applicant is applying. Demonstrating an understanding of the program and the applicant’s potential to excel in it can help to make a compelling case for their candidacy. When crafting a letter of recommendation, one should include information on the applicant’s academic background, work experience, and relevant accomplishments. In addition, it is also important to provide a candid assessment of the applicant’s character and ability to contribute to the fellowship program. Finally, your letter should be written in a professional and respectful tone, while making sure to highlight the applicant’s unique talents and skills.

What to include in a fellowship recommendation letter

If you’re writing a letter of recommendation for someone who is applying for a fellowship, take into account the following points:

Specific examples

It’s crucial to provide specific examples of the applicant’s or student’s accomplishments. This demonstrates your knowledge of their skills and abilities. Additionally, it demonstrates to the admissions committee that you are speaking truthfully when discussing the applicant. The applicant’s qualifications are better explained with specific examples, which can strengthen the letter and increase their chances of admission.

Purpose of the program

An explanation of how the student fits the program’s goals should also be included in the letter of recommendation. For instance, if submitting a research project proposal is a requirement of the fellowship program, you should discuss why you believe the proposed study will be worthwhile. Strengthening the recommendation letter by offering more assistance with the student’s research or course of study

Impact on the applicant

A description of how the fellowship might benefit the applicant is another thing you could put in. This section might discuss how a fellowship could help an applicant achieve their academic and professional objectives. Include a description of your thoughts in this section if you think the fellowship would help the applicant personally.

Positively framed weaknesses

Try to frame any of the applicants’ flaws you point out in the letter in a positive light. Instead of saying that the applicant struggled to properly cite sources in research papers, you could say that they showed a commitment to enhancing their citation styles. Explaining shortcomings in a constructive manner can show the admissions committee that the applicant wants to keep developing their knowledge and skills.

Accurate details

It’s crucial to be as accurate as possible when adding specifics to the letter’s body. Instead of overstating a student’s abilities, try to back up your assertions with facts or figures. For instance, you might mention that the applicant completed their program in the top 10% of their class rather than merely stating that they were good students. By including a statistic, you can improve the accuracy of the information and give the admissions committee a better idea of the applicant’s range of skills.

Why is it important to write a letter of recommendation for a fellowship?

When submitting an application for a fellowship, a letter of recommendation is crucial because it enables the applicant to set themselves apart from other candidates. A fellowship is a program that broadens education through study, research, or an internship. Fellowships typically include a financial grant, stipend, or other compensation to help the fellow with program expenses. Given the fierce competition for many fellowship programs, a letter of recommendation can strengthen an application.

How to write a letter of recommendation for a fellowship

Consider taking the following actions if someone asks you to write a letter of recommendation for a fellowship program:

1. Converse with the applicant

Try to speak with the applicant for a while before you start writing. Ask them about the fellowship, the program, their research proposal, and any other topics that might help you write a stronger letter during this conversation. This knowledge will help you decide what kind of material to put in the letter’s body.

2. Address the letter to the appropriate recipient

It’s crucial to make sure you’ve addressed the letter to the correct recipient at the top. Sometimes, the fellowship program is overseen by a single person, and other times, an entire committee evaluates applicants. It’s best to either mention a specific person or address the committee as a whole. This shows that you are aware of the application process and have made an effort to comprehend the particular fellowship program.

3. Write an introduction

You can mention your relationship with the student in the letter’s opening paragraph. This could include your relationship with the applicant, how long you’ve known them, and your impressions of them overall. The admissions committee will better understand your qualifications to represent the applicant after reading your introduction. Additionally, it gives you a chance to highlight your own academic and professional accomplishments. A thorough opening can lay a solid groundwork for the remainder of the recommendation letter.

4. Write body paragraphs

There are one or two body paragraphs you can write following the introduction. Recommendation letters are ordinarily one to one and a half pages long. Employers may see from a longer letter that you have a lot of positive things to say about the applicant. The body paragraphs of the letter may describe the applicant’s prior work, discuss why you believe they would be a good fit for the fellowship program, or discuss the qualities of their character that would make them a strong student. The body paragraphs contain the bulk of your recommendation.

5. Write a conclusion

Try to conclude your letter by summarizing it after the body paragraphs. The main points of the letter are reemphasized in this paragraph, which also summarizes the key information. You could say in your conclusion that the admissions team can get in touch with you if they have any additional questions. This demonstrates your willingness to speak on behalf of the applicant in addition to the recommendation letter’s contents. The letter is more effective overall when it has a solid conclusion.

6. Proofread

Before mailing the letter, its important to proofread thoroughly. You can use proofreading to make sure you wrote the details clearly and included all the necessary information. If you frequently write letters of recommendation for students, proofreading can assist you in staying organized as you work. You can verify with the applicant at this time the recipient’s name, the mailing address for the letter, and the title of the fellowship program.

A sample recommendation letter for a fellowship application is provided below:

Dear [ admissions counselors name ] ,

Introduction:

Im writing this letter on behalf of [applicants name]. Theyre applying for admission to [name of fellowship program]. I had a working relationship with the applicant for [period of time] and was [type of relationship with applicant]. I was able to learn more about the applicant’s ability to work under pressure, conduct research, and dedication to getting things done during this time. I highly recommend [applicant] for this fellowship program.

Body paragraph:

This applicant has demonstrated their abilities in a number of situations, including [description of situation]. They also demonstrated the following skills [list a few pertinent skills or abilities] The applicant has proven their suitability, and I think they possess the necessary abilities to make a valuable contribution to this fellowship.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, I think [applicants name] is a fantastic choice for [fellowship name] because of their all-encompassing skills and credentials. I would be happy to have a phone conversation with you about the applicant if you have any additional questions.

[ Your name ]

Heres an example of a fellowship letter of recommendation:

January 5, 2022

Dear Political Science Fellowship Committee,

Harrison Rodriguez, who is applying for a position in your Political Theory Fellowship Program, has asked me to write on his behalf. My name is Dr. Jones, and Ive had the pleasure of supervising Mr. Rodriguez through his postgraduate research efforts. He has made significant contributions to numerous political theory research projects, so I think he qualifies for this fellowship.

Mr. Rodriguez is a committed student with a strong passion for comprehending how political theory affects how society functions. By compiling survey data and conducting various tests, he contributed to a study on voting patterns and socioeconomic status. Mr. If Rodriguez is awarded this fellowship, I believe the academic community would greatly benefit from the way his research would address important issues in politics and contemporary society.

In conclusion, I think Mr. Rodriguez is a driven and enthusiastic student who enhances any project in which he is involved. I sincerely recommend him for this fellowship, please take that into consideration. Please reach out if you have any questions.

Dr. Jones, Ph.D.

Writing Recommendation Letters for Fellowship Applicants

Who should I ask for a letter of recommendation for fellowship?

People who know you well enough to vouch for you in your application should write you letters of recommendation. It won’t help your application if a Nobel laureate who doesn’t know you recommends you.

How long should a fellowship recommendation letter be?

The letter should provide comprehensive but detailed information on observed performance in no more than two pages. Comments should be as succinct as possible. To ensure maximum availability to fellowship program directors, the letters must be finished by July 1.

Do you need a letter of recommendation for fellowship?

Most fellowships require at least one letter from a professor who specializes in the area you are applying for. Make sure you have at least one rotation during the course of the year that will give you time with a subspecialty faculty member who can serve as your letter of recommendation writer.

What is a fellowship letter?

SHARE. Individuals in a variety of fields who have attained a certain level of education and training and wish to begin a program of further studies in a specific specialty are intended for fellowship recommendation letters.

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Letters of Recommendation

Strong letters of recommendation are critical and essential for strong fellowship, scholarship, and graduate school applications. Letters of recommendation stem from a relationship established with a research mentor or a professor during a semester or over a longer period of time, and it is important to start building these relationships early in your college career. It can often times seem difficult to "get to know" faculty or other mentors due to busy schedules and competing priorities, however, it can be done if students make the effort. Developing a relationship that can lead to a useful letter of recommendation is up to the student.

When asking for a letter of recommendation, be sure you are asking someone who can speak to your specific skills and abilities. It is also crucial that the letter writer is familiar with the scholarship/fellowship opportunity that you are applying for and that you have provided letter writers with any information suggested by the Scholarship Foundation. Be sure that their insight is pertinent to the opportunity for which you are applying (for example, if applying for the Goldwater Scholarship, you would want to seek out letter writers who have seen or worked with you on research projects).

You should ask the writer for a letter of recommendation three to four weeks before the deadline, if possible. Two weeks before the deadline should be considered the minimum advance notice.  Here is some advice on whom to ask and how to:

Before you approach anyone for a letter of reference, identify the number of people that you will need. Use the application material to help you choose the best letter writers. What aspects of your background do you want each letter of recommendation to comment on? Seek a mix of letter writers and identify their roles for them. Collectively, your letters should present a balanced picture of you. It is helpful to the letter writer if you tell them you hope they will comment on you from a certain angle in their letter.

Do not hesitate to stay in touch with letter writers occasionally in the weeks approaching the deadline for the letter. Ask the writer if they need any more documents or have questions about a two weeks from the deadline, and gently remind the letter writer about a week from the deadline of the details for letter submission and deadline. This can be exceptionally helpful if they are writing multiple letters for you that have different deadlines and submission requirements. 

Thank your letter writers and keep them informed on your progress. Regardless of whether you receive the fellowship or not, initiating and maintaining follow-up contact with your references is both courteous and professionally smart.

How to Write a Letter of Recommendation [With Tips & Template]

Every now and then, applying for a position will require that you also submit a letter of recommendation. 

Or, maybe, a coworker will ask you to write a recommendation letter for their new job application.

If you're not certain how to go about it, don't worry - nothing about recommendation letters needs to be complicated. Especially once you learn the nitty-gritty of the topic. 

This is exactly what this article is here to teach you!

What is a Recommendation Letter?

What should a letter of recommendation include.

• How to Write a Letter of Recommendation

3 Types of Recommendation Letters

• How to Ask For a Recommendation Letter
• Recommendation Letter Template

A letter of recommendation is a formal document confirming and recommending a person’s work, skills, or academic performance and potential. 

Typically, a recommendation letter is required for: 

• University admissions
• Fellowships or internship positions
• Job applications
• Volunteering opportunities

You should ideally write a recommendation for someone whose abilities and work ethic you are familiar with - for example, a colleague, student you taught, your employee, or someone you supervised at work.

Similarly, if you’re the one asking for a recommendation letter, you should ask someone who can attest to your professional or academic abilities. 

The types of recommendation letters are:

• Academic recommendation letters.
• Employment recommendation letters.
• Character recommendation letters.

Here’s what each type of recommendation letter is about:

#1. Academic Recommendation Letters

Academic recommendation letters are typically required to be submitted by students during the admission processes of graduate and undergraduate schools. 

Generally, each prospective student is requested to submit up to three references, which can be written by any education professional familiar with the candidate’s academic background. 

Academic reference letters include:

• Recommendation letter for undergraduate/graduate school
• Recommendation letter for a scholarship
• Recommendation letter for a fellowship program

#2. Employment recommendation letters 

This type makes up the most popular type of recommendation letter.

Sometimes, employers can ask you to submit up to 3 recommendation letters as part of your job application.

More often, though, a recruiter might ask you for recommendation letters if they already like your resume and want to learn more about you. 

Employment recommendation letters are written by former - or current - coworkers, employers, or supervisors.

If you can choose, pick someone with more years of experience than you. After all, the more senior they are, the more weight their recommendation carries.

Employment recommendations include: 

• Recommendation letter for a coworker
• Recommendation letter for a (former) employee

#3. Character recommendation letters

Character recommendation letters, also known as personal references, are used to describe an individual’s personality by someone who knows them well, including close friends, coworkers, or employers. 

Personal references serve many purposes, the primary ones being court cases dealing with criminal issues such as drunk driving offenses, or legal situations such as child adoption procedures. 

It is not uncommon, however, to have a potential landlord or even immigration officials ask for a personal reference. 

Personal references include: 

• Recommendation letter for a friend
• Recommendation letter for a tenant
• Recommendation letter for a patient

Recommendation letters follow a particular format and layout that make writing them significantly easier. 

In this section, we’ll cover how to do each the right way, starting with:

Letter of Recommendation Format

A letter of recommendation includes the following sections: 

• The salutation ; if you are addressing someone whose name you know or writing a personal recommendation letter, the salutation can be addressed to “Dear Mr./Mrs./Dr. Smith.” Otherwise, you may use the generic “to whom it may concern.”
• The introduction , which first and foremost includes your statement of recommendation (i.e. “ it is my pleasure to recommend… ”). It is common to also briefly state who you are and what your expertise is.
• The overview, or a description of the applicant’s top skills, attributes, and strengths.
• A personal story describing more of the applicant’s skills and qualifications.
• The closing statement , or the final call for action, is where you encourage the recruiter to contact you if additional information is needed.
• The signature , where you repeat your name and include your full contact information.

Letter of Recommendation Layout 

When it comes to the layout of the recommendation letter, all you need to do is follow some basic formatting rules. Here are the most important ones: 

#1. One page length. This rule applies to resumes too, but it’s even more essential for the recommendation letter. Recruiters go through hundreds of them, so chances are they appreciate concise, to-the-point letters that don’t waste their time. And besides, a good recommendation letter doesn’t have to be an essay to get the recruiter ‘hooked’ - especially if you follow the above format. 

#2. Single-spaced lining, with space between paragraphs . This also keeps your reference letter within the limit by shortening the text. 

#3. Traditional font. Don’t go for something too creative - pick a classic that works. We recommend Times New Roman, Calibri, Arial, Ubuntu, Roboto or Overpass.

#4. 1” margins on all sides . This creates enough white space around the margins and makes the letter easy to read. Additionally, the text should be aligned to the left - although this is a standard alignment for most documents.    

#5. 10-12pt font size . This is the font size range that makes the document easy to read. Adjusting the font size is another good way to keep your recommendation letter within the length limit.

Recommendation letters usually follow similar layout rules as resumes. Learn more about font size and style from our article on the best resume font, size, and format . 

Recommendation Letter Template 

Struggling to write a recommendation letter? 

Just follow our tried-and-tested template! 

To whom it may concern: 

[Recommend the referee for the position they are applying for.]

[Briefly introduce yourself and state your position/ job title , as well as your work experience .]

[Tell how you know the referee and describe their top skills, qualifications, and strengths.]

[Share a personal story with the referee where you highlight their strong points and key achievements .]

[Add a few more of the applicant’s skills and positive traits, preferably fitting the job description.]

[Show your availability to provide additional information for the referee if needed.]

Best Regards

[Your full signature and contact information]

How to Ask for a Recommendation Letter 

Need to ask someone for a recommendation letter? Here’s what you need to know.

The go-to person for your recommendation letter will depend on the type of reference you’ll need. 

For example, if you need an employment recommendation letter , your top choices should involve people who are familiar with your work ethic and professional abilities, but with whom you’ve also had a positive professional relationship. For example:

• Your team lead
• Department head
• CEO of the company
• Direct manager
• A coworker you’ve worked with together on a project

If you are a recent graduate with little work experience, you can ask a mentor or college professor to write you a professional reference. 

In case you need an academic recommendation letter , consider asking a professor with whom you’ve worked closely and can positively attest to your academic potential and achievements.

Your thesis advisor, for example, would make a good choice to ask for an academic reference. If you never wrote a Bachelor’s or Master’s thesis, any professor who knows you as more than just a face in a sea of students should do the trick. 

Finally, keep the following in mind when the time comes to ask for a recommendation letter: 

• Whoever you end up asking, talk to them about it in advance . Then, follow up with a formal email that should contain all reference-related information, such as the submission details and deadline. The email can also include a description of what you’re currently doing (professionally, academically, or independently), what qualifies you for the position, and some relevant skills, achievements, or noteworthy facts.
• If you’re asking for a professional recommendation letter, make sure to also include your resume and the job description in the follow-up email. This way, the person writing the letter will know more about you and your new position and will be able to write a more relevant recommendation by tailoring your skills to the job, or by mentioning some of your (relevant) achievements.
• Notify the contacts you’ll be asking - considering that in most cases recruiters ask for up to three recommendation letters - at least two weeks in advance. This will give them enough time to prepare and write a good recommendation letter. This is especially important for academic references because professors are usually writing several recommendation letters simultaneously.
• Consider attaching a recommendation letter template such as the one provided in this article to your email. The template will considerably ease or guide them through the process of writing the letter.
• Follow up by sending thank you notes to everyone who writes you a recommendation letter. Sending a letter of appreciation is a courtesy act that will let them know you are grateful for the time and effort they took to recommend you positively.

If you’re also looking to update your resume or create one, head over to our guide on how to write a resume in 2024 !

5 Tips on How to Write a Letter of Recommendation

There’s more to writing a recommendation letter than just following the layout instructions or sticking to the format.

We’re referring to content quality, which happens to be the trickiest part of the process. 

In this section, we’ll teach you how to write a recommendation letter that will impress the recruiter and help your referee!

Tip #1. Write an Attention-Grabbing Introduction  

First things first - the introduction.

This is where you need to grab the reader’s attention and get them interested in reading the recommendation letter. 

How to go about it? Before formally (and briefly) introducing yourself, aim to write an attention-grabbing recommendation statement, instead of a generic one the recruiter probably knows by heart already. 

Let’s explain this more practically: 

Dear Mr. Smith, 

I am pleased to recommend Sarah McKay for the Communications Assistant position.

Nothing wrong with this introduction at first glance, right? It’s a standard way of opening a recommendation letter after all. 

Well that’s exactly what’s wrong with it - it’s way too common. No, this probably won’t get your application disqualified, but it won’t impress the recruiter either.

Want yours to strike the right note? Try something like this instead:

Dear Mr. Smith,

I am sincerely glad to be the one recommending Sarah McKay for the Communications Assistant position.

This recommendation statement is not significantly different from the previous one, except for one thing: it gives the reference letter a head start by implying that recommending Sarah is an honor. And that’s more likely to get the recruiter’s attention - or, at least, curiosity. 

In case you’re struggling to come up with an attention-grabbing introduction, simply mention one of the following points, and you’re good to go: 

• A little-known fact about the candidate. 
• Your general consideration of the candidate’s qualities.
• A remarkable achievement or award the candidate might have won.  

Tip #2. Establish a Meaningful Relationship With the Candidate 

All recommendation letters explain what the relationship with the referee is before listing their skills and qualifications. 

To make the recommendation more meaningful, you should show the recruiter you are just the right person to attest to the candidate’s abilities. And that’s not something you can convey by simply stating how you know them. Take the following example:   

I have taught Jake Political Science for four years. 

Does this example tell the recruiter how you know the applicant? Sure, it does. 

But it does so in a boring way and without establishing a convincing relationship with them. For all the recruiter knows, Jake is just one out of a thousand students you’ve taught over the years.

It has been a pleasure for me to teach Jake for four years and guide him through his remarkable Bachelor’s thesis in Conflict Resolution.

Notice the difference? This example specifies the writer is Jake’s thesis advisor, which makes the recommendation all the more meaningful. 

Tip #3. Tailor Your Recommendation to the Application 

Want to put in the extra effort and make sure your referee truly stands out?

Tailor the recommendation letter to the job / university program they’re applying for.

Tailoring your letter to the candidate’s application is easiest when you’re recommending someone for employment (you can just check the job requirements), but it works for any type of recommendation (incl. academic). All you need to do is match the referee’s skills and strengths to whatever they’re applying for. 

Let’s assume, for example, that you’re recommending a co-worker for a marketing manager position.

Some of the job requirements are: 

• +5 years of professional experience in marketing
• Experience developing marketing campaigns 
• Excellent communication skills 
• Project-management and multi-tasking skills 

To tailor your recommendation to the job requirements, all you need to do is mention them as your referee’s best qualities. For example: 

Even after seven years working together, Ema’s skillful way of effectively communicating with clients and co-workers alike doesn’t cease to amaze me. It only comes second to her multi-tasking abilities, which I’ve witnessed throughout the many marketing campaigns we have developed and managed. 

As you can see, there’s not much to it. 

All you need to do is check the job requirements, pick several skills and qualifications, and make them part of your referee’s top skills, strengths, or personality traits.  

Tip #4. List the Candidate’s Achievements 

Mentioning some of the candidate’s achievements is another great way to help your referee really stand out.

After all, skills, strengths, and character traits are awesome, but they can also come across as meaningless if you can’t back them up with facts. 

What do we mean by this?

Let us explain:

Here’s how a typical personal story in a recommendation letter looks like:

I came to truly appreciate Eric’s work ethic, passion, and attention to detail the first time I assigned him to do a report on child trafficking. Eric was respectful of journalistic ethics but also willing to chase the story relentlessly, believing in its value and importance. 

Sure, this is a perfectly acceptable personal story. 

However, it doesn’t do much more than just list the referee’s skills, traits, and work experience through a subjective lens. 

What we’re saying is, it doesn’t really sell the candidate.

Now, let’s compare it to the following:

Eric’s ability to chase after difficult stories first became apparent when I assigned him a report about child trafficking. Despite the challenging topic, Eric not only pulled through but achieved more than expected by a) identifying a trafficking ring that put more than 50 minors into forced begging, b) interviewing 10 of the older minors and managing to bring that trafficking network down once the reportage went public and c) increasing the TV Channel’s ratings by 40% in 3 weeks. 

By mentioning those achievements, your account of the candidate’s experiences is a lot more “factual,” as well as impressive for the recruiter.

Not sure which achievements to include? Check out these 101+ achievements to list on your resum e !

Tip #5. Polish Up Your Recommendation Letter

Finally, here’s 5 more simple tips to get your recommendation letter ready:

• Maintain positive rhetoric . At no point throughout your reference letter should the recruiter sense a hint of doubt regarding the applicant’s skills and qualifications.
• Don’t overdo the positivity. Extremes are never good - which means being overly positive might also come across as a bit suspicious or weird (even if everything you're saying is true). 
• Follow the submission instructions . A bunch of employers, but also educational institutions, will provide instructions on how to submit the recommendation letter. We recommend you ask the candidate to double-check them and give you a heads up, because if you submit the recommendation letter wrong, the candidate might lose their chance.
• Use a business tone . Even when you’re being creative, your writing tone should maintain a business tone - polite, and as formal as possible.
• Mind your grammar and spelling . This is another tip that goes for all things application-related. You won’t compromise the referee’s chances with a typo, but your recommendation won’t matter much either if it’s filled with simple grammar/spelling mistakes. Run your letter through a grammar and spell-check app once you’re finished with it, just to be on the safe side of things.

Recommendation Letter FAQ

Still have some questions on how to write a letter of recommendation?

Find your answers below!

1. What is a professional letter of recommendation?

A professional letter of recommendation - also called an employment recommendation letter - refers to an official document that is typically required when you apply for a job and which describes the applicant’s professional skills, experiences, and qualifications. 

Professional letters of recommendation are typically written by current or previous employers or supervisors. A coworker can also write you a professional letter of recommendation, but it’s not as optimal as a coworker is not really an authority figure (and might just be a friend doing you a favor instead of being honest).

2. What should be written in a letter of recommendation?

Letters of recommendation generally follow the following format: 

• A formal salutation
• An introduction (which includes a recommendation statement and your professional title)
• An overview of some of the applicant’s skills, strengths, or qualifications, which you can tailor to the application
• A personal story where you can mention some of the applicant’s achievements
• A closing statement and call for action
• A signature , with your contact information

3. Who should I ask for a letter of recommendation?

If you’re asking for an academic letter of recommendation, you can ask:

• Current or former professors
• Academic mentors
• Thesis advisors

If you’re asking for a professional recommendation letter, though, you can ask:

• Current or former employers
• A supervisor or professional mentor
• Former professors
• Experienced coworkers

4. How do you start a recommendation paragraph?

To keep the recruiter reading your recommendation letter interested, you should start with an attention-grabbing introduction - specifically, an interesting recommendation statement. 

This statement is the opening sentence of the letter and it should optimally express your conviction to recommend the applicant in a non-generic way. 

If you’re struggling with coming up with something creative, just start with one of the following:

• A little-known or impressive fact about the candidate
• Your general consideration of the candidate’s qualities
• A remarkable achievement, or an award the candidate might have won

5. How do you end a letter of recommendation?

A letter of recommendation concludes with a call to action or a request towards the recruiter   showing your availability and willingness to provide additional information if needed. After mentioning that you remain available to discuss the candidate’s qualifications, you may finalize the letter with your signature - your name, title, and company.

Key Takeaways 

And that’s a wrap! We hope this article will make the process of writing a recommendation letter easier for you. 

Let’s go over some of the main points we covered: 

• A letter of recommendation is a formal letter confirming and recommending a person’s work, skills, or academic performance and potential.
• Recommendation letters follow a particular format and layout. The format typically consists of 1) the letterhead and full contact information, 2) a salutation, 3) an introduction, 4) an overview, 5) a personal story, 6) a closing sentence and 7) your signature.
• The three types of recommendation letters are employment, academic, and character recommendation letters.
• Who to ask for a recommendation letter depends on the type of reference you need. As a rule of thumb, pick someone who knows your skills and strengths well and whom you’ve had a positive experience (professional or academic) with.

Related Articles

• How to List References on a Resume [w/ Examples]
• How to Address a Cover Letter in 2023
• Motivation Letter Writing Guide + Examples for 2023

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MyERAS® Documents for Fellowship Applicants

New section.

• Sign In to MyERAS
• ERAS® Fellowship Application Timeline
• ERAS® Participating Specialties and Programs

Within your MyERAS ® account, you may create personal statement(s); identify the people who will write your letters of recommendation (LoRs); and release your Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination of the United States (COMLEX-USA) and/or United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) transcripts. You will also assign most documents to the programs, track the status of these and any additional ERAS documents. Applicants should research programs individually to determine those requirements before making document assignments.

The ERAS Fellowship Documents Office ( EFDO) is the Designated Dean's Office for all fellowship applicants whether a U.S. medical school graduate or an international medical school graduate. Applicants should visit the EFDO website for information about submitting their documents for upload or obtaining contact information when additional information is needed. The EFDO no longer accepts paper documents for fellowship applications. Documents sent via mail or courier to their offices will not be processed.

EFDO Online Services allows applicants to upload certain document types themselves, as well as send requests to your medical school to upload their MSPE and medical school transcript. A unique link to the EFDO Online Services account for each applicant is only available within the MyERAS portal on the Additional Documents page under Documents.

Below you will find an overview of each of the main documents used in ERAS. For detailed information, please see the Documents section of the MyERAS user guide.

Tracking Documents

Uploaded but Unassigned LoRs - Count of LoRs that have been uploaded but are not assigned to any programs, highlighting that assignments may need to be made.

Unassigned Personal Statements - Count of Personal Statements that have been saved but are not assigned to any programs, highlighting that assignments may need to be made.

Latest USMLE Request Status - Current status of the latest request made to the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) or the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates ( ECFMG) (for IMG Residency) after at least one program has been applied to with the USMLE transcript assigned.

Latest COMLEX-USA Request Status - Current status of the latest request made to the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners (NBOME) after at least one program has been applied to with the COMLEX-USA transcript assigned.

Status of Additional Documents - Status of all other applicable documents as either Not Uploaded or Uploaded.

Dimensions: 2.5 in. x 3.5 in.

File Size: 100kb

Personal Statement

Special Note About Formatting

Creating LoR Entries - You must create a LoR entry for each LoR you intend to use during the application season.

Confirming LoR Entries - You must confirm a LoR entry before an associated Letter ID can be generated.

Uploading LoRs - The Letter ID contained in the LoR Request form must be used to upload the associated LoR through the Letter of Recommendation Portal (LoRP) .

Assigning LoRs - Applicants may assign of up to four (4) LoRs to each program.

Authorizing the Release for the USMLE Transcript - Applicants must authorize the release of their USMLE transcript in order to make assignments of the USMLE transcript to the programs they designate.

Paying for the USMLE Transcript - The NBME or ECFMG (for IMG Residency) charges a one time fee of $80 for transmitting USMLE transcripts to the programs designated by applicants.

Viewing the USMLE Requests Status Report - Applicants can view the USMLE Requests Status Report to track the status of their USMLE requests by program.

Authorizing the Release for the COMLEX-USA Transcript - Applicants must authorize the release of their COMLEX-USA transcript in order to make assignments of the COMLEX-USA transcript to the programs they designate.

Paying for the COMLEX-USA Transcript - The NBOME or ECFMG (for IMG Residency) charges a one time fee of $80 for transmitting COMLEX-USA transcripts to the programs designated by applicants.

Viewing the COMLEX-USA Requests Status Report - Applicants can view the COMLEX-USA Requests Status Report to track the status of their COMLEX-USA requests by program.

Medical School (MS) Transcript

American board of surgery in-training examination (absite), img-only documents.

ECFMG Status Report: The ECFMG Status Report confirms the ECFMG certification status for an IMG residency applicant. This report contains the month and year that examinations were passed for ECFMG Certification, but does not contain your USMLE transcript.

Please contact the AAMC Support Center (ASC) .

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Please visit ERAS ®  Fellowships Documents Office (EFDO) website.

Please visit this page to stay up to date on ERAS news and announcements.

The MyERAS User Guide, ERAS timeline, FAQs and more are available to provide helpful information to fellowship applicants about the MyERAS application and ERAS process.

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How to Apply for a Fellowship

Residents & fellows.

Find useful tips and learn more about applying for fellowship positions. View a list of fellowship opportunities on the Fellowship Directory .

Inform Your Decision

• Clinical Neurophysiology Fellowship FAQ
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FROM ONE TRAINEE TO ANOTHER: HOW TO APPLY FOR FELLOWSHIP

• Start Early:  Check program websites for vacancies and requirements for the application process. Make contact with programs toward the end of your PGY2 year, and no later than October/November of your PGY3 year. Look on the AAN Fellowships Page, individual program websites, such as FREIDA and other websites. Remember, since fellowship positions and availability are constantly changing, do not rely on information on these sites alone. Always contact the program you are interested in.
• Think About Your Career Goals:  Why a fellowship? What specialty? Is this the right area and/or lifestyle for me? Compare specialties. Speak to people across multiple specialties. Keep your options open. Make time to reflect and decide your priorities.
• Get Informed:  Consider the job market of your specialty, check out geographical areas, talk to other applicants or previous fellows, speak to your mentors (very important!), obtain input from professors. Where is the field going and where will it be when you are done training? In general, the application process varies widely based on the fellowship to which you're applying (e.g., neurocritical care now follows a match system).
• Draft a Timeline:  Create a timeline of when to submit applications and prepare for interviews. The budget for travel. If you are going to need to arrange for time off work or clinical coverage while you are at interviews, do this early.
• Relax:  Don't panic. The vast majority of program graduates have found fellowships that have suited their needs well.
• Organize:  Prepare a list of questions, organize your certificates with all dates, be prepared for the application process in advance, have a portfolio available, use one email address for all applications. (Tip: Use your university address rather than personal email.)
• Draft Your Personal Statement:  Personal statements should be one page or less. Be enthusiastic, communicate through your words. Get help with proofreading (by at least two people), especially if English is not your first language.
• Recommendation Letters:  Obtain strong letters that are well-written. You need to sell yourself and be competitive.
• Research Experience:  Whether publications or presentations, be able to demonstrate the significance of your work, be knowledgeable on your research topic, how your research will make an impact. Get excited about your research and think about how you want to continue research through Fellowship and beyond.
• Application:  List community service projects, write clearly and demonstrate the spectrum of your academic record. List all pertinent accomplishments.
• Interview/Selection Process:  Clinical performance, rotation evaluations, and interpersonal skills are important, as well as the reputation of your program, involvement in research, and medical knowledge (e.g., USMLE). Be prepared for questions (why are you different, why this field, this particular program, your weaknesses, where do you see yourself in 5-10 years?). Be confident. Ask your own questions. Eye contact and professionalism are important. Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes early, plan your route the day before and allow time for travel delays and mishaps.
• Keep in Contact:  Send thank you notes, maintain follow-up, listen for vacancies or announcements, consistently check and re-check websites.
• Maintain Perspective:  Stressful situations can blur your goals and/or perspective. Strategize early - you may have to make difficult decisions to make when the offers start rolling in!

Center for Teaching, Learning, and Research

Letters of Recommendation

Below is general guidance for both recommenders and applicants. 

If you have specific questions about a fellowship, please contact Dean Lisa Gates at [email protected] .

For Recommenders

Letters should be written by those who know the applicant well, have supervised them in a relevant setting (academic, workplace, volunteer), and can speak knowledgeably about the applicant in ways that are relevant to the specific fellowship. If a recommender is in a position to discuss multiple relevant aspects of a candidate, s/he should do so.

Recommenders ideally have had recent contact with the student. It is often optimal to have known the candidate over a longer span of time and through multiple points of contact, but that is not always the case.

Try to keep letters to two pages.

The candidate should share with you information about the fellowship, including the selection criteria; a current resume and transcript; and if possible a draft of his or her essays—not for feedback per se, but in order for you to understand their purpose and motivation in applying for the fellowship. (Note that the Rhodes and Mitchell scholarships do not permit any feedback on essays by the applicant.)

Candidates should provide you with clear instructions about deadlines and delivery mode for letters. Many are uploaded into online application systems, some are delivered to the fellowship advisor and a handful still ask for hard copies to be mailed in. Some require signed letters on institutional letterhead; some are flexible on that point. Still others may require you to complete an online form with questions.

Letters that place the applicant in the context of the institution and other undergraduates you have worked with are very helpful. Providing specific examples of the nominee’s strengths and achievements; placing the nominee in the context of other students you have worked with; speaking to the merits of the nominee’s proposed course of study or project; commenting on the nominee’s goals, their importance and the nominee’s preparation and abilities are all helpful to the selection committee. It is also helpful for you to detail how you know the applicant, in what capacity and over what expanse of time.

Please make sure you include the correct fellowship name for each letter. When students apply for multiple opportunities, this can be an issue.

For Applicants

Make sure you talk with your recommenders well in advance of the deadline; 3-4 weeks advance notice is courteous. Read through the notes above as well and make sure you provide the recommender with the materials and information needed to write a strong letter of recommendation.

Center for Teaching, Learning, and Research Davis Family Library, Suite 225 Middlebury, VT 05753

• Universities

Application Instructions

• application process

Fellow Selection

Access the Application

Thank you for your interest in The National GEM Consortium’s graduate engineering and science fellowship programs.

You may register and begin the application process via eGEM , GEM’s online application system.

If you have started an application, log in to retrieve it.

• eGEM APPLICATION PORTAL

Application Process

Registering with eGEM creates an account that allows you to work on your application securely, to save draft work, and return later to complete and submit online. After registering, you will receive an e-mail confirmation with information for later use.

After registering, you will be taken to the application form. Answer the questions carefully and accurately and include your resume and unofficial transcript. You will need to have your employment and educational history (and if applicable information on research experiences) handy to complete the questionnaire. If you cannot answer all the required questions, you can save your draft application and return to the application later to complete.

Note on GRE Scores: You are not required to submit your official GRE Score Report by the application deadline. However you are required to answer all of the questions as prompted about the GRE in your eGEM application. If you have taken the GRE you can self report your scores and scan and upload your score report. If selected for the fellowship, GEM will request to have an official GRE score report on file. If you choose to have your official report sent to GEM (not required), our code is 1305 (listed under the state of Indiana).

Remember, GEM applicants are required to apply to at least 3 GEM Member Universities. GEM wants to ensure that you have all necessary requirements to meet all 3 University’s application requirements. Although not required, we strongly recommend that you take the GRE.

GEM waives the requirement to apply to 3 GEM universities only if you are currently ENROLLED and MATRICULATING in a Master/PhD engineering or applied science program at a current GEM member university. To ultimately be confirmed as a GEM Fellow, your current matriculating university MUST provide confirmation of their willingness to sponsor you as a GEM Fellow. If you are selected by a GEM employer sponsor for GEM Fellow support, the university will be notified that confirmation of full sponsorship up to 2 years for MS Fellows and 5 years for PhD Fellows is required to confirm an applicant as a GEM Fellow.

Requires you to submit supplemental material:

• Statement of Purpose – You must submit at least a one page statement of purpose that outlines your academic, research and/or career goals by 11:59 PM Eastern on the second Friday in November. For tips go to www.statementofpurpose.com.
• Letters of Recommendation – Request three letters of recommendation and ensure that you have entered in your recommender’s email addresses to ensure submission by the second Friday in November. Please make sure at least one recommendation is from a faculty member. When you hit “submit” on your on-line application, your recommenders will receive an automatic email from the GEM application system. We will not accept letters via email or via postal mail. At least two of your recommenders must submit their recommendations on-line by 11:59 PM Eastern on the second Friday in November.

Review your application and submit online. At time of application, you will be asked to upload unofficial transcript(s) only. Official transcripts are not required until you are selected, effective August 17, 2012.

Process and Schedule

We continue to develop the GEM application process to make it as manageable and efficient for all parties involved. We appreciate your interest in GEM and will do our best to make your relationship with us be a positive one. We have a number of people involved in the application process. GEM Recruiters, Alumni, Minority Engineering Program Administrators, and Employer and University Members assist in recruiting students. This page has several types of information regarding the application process.

If you have other questions about this process, please contact us.

Schedule for Cycle

Additional information.

The GEM Office is responsible for soliciting, screening, and processing applications. Applications received by the submission deadline are screened and certified for eligibility. Those approved for fellowship consideration are forwarded to the GEM Selection Committee. Applications and application materials received after the submission date are not eligible for consideration. Students are matched to Employer members based on compatibility. The GEM Office notifies all applicants of their award status.

Award Notification

Selected applicants are sent a notification of GEM Employer sponsorship and are asked to complete three forms: Student Acceptance Agreement, Code of Conduct, and University Support Confirmation Agreement. The Student Acceptance Agreement is a contract between GEM and the student that specifies the Fellow will pursue and complete their degree under the terms and conditions as outlined in this Agreement. The applicant becomes a GEM Fellow once all forms are signed and submitted to the GEM National Office along with an OFFICIAL transcript from their current or last university attended.

GEM Consortium Members place applicants not selected on a list for possible later selection. All GEM Consortium Members receive lists of certified applicants not selected initially for GEM Fellowship awards. These applicants may be contacted directly by GEM Consortium Members for a future GEM Fellowship, to be named a GEM University or Associate Fellow, or possibly other educational or employment opportunities.

Graduate Admission

GEM Fellowship awards are only valid at GEM Member Universities, and each GEM University exercises its own admission requirements and standards which are independent of the GEM Fellowship requirements and standards. Applicants who are seniors or who have baccalaureate degrees must apply for graduate admission to GEM Universities at the same time they submit their application materials to the GEM Office.

Graduate Enrollment

The MS Engineering Fellowship requires a student to pursue a master’s degree in the same or related discipline in which they complete their undergraduate degree. Minor variations are permitted if specified on the fellowship application and approved by the GEM Employer Member; however, the length and level of funding associated with the award remains the same. Note, if a change in major requires a lengthier academic program to satisfy deficiencies or prerequisites, this is not a sufficient condition or justification for extending a fellow’s funding or granting a waiver of summer internship requirements.

Academic Requirements

Ms engineering program applicants:.

• must be a senior, or graduate of an accredited engineering or computer science program at the time of application, and
• must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.8/4.0.

PhD Program Applicants:

• must be a senior, masters student, or graduate of an accredited engineering or applied science program at the time of application, and
• must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0/4.0.

Internship Requirements

• MS Fellows are required to intern for a GEM Employer Member the summer immediately following selection, up until the MS requirements are completed.
• PhD fellows are required to intern once for a GEM Employer Member, the summer immediately following selection. Applicants who are unable to intern are highly unlikely to be selected for the GEM Fellowship.

Knowingly providing false information may result in termination of the GEM fellowship.

• Letters of Recommendation
• What are Fellowships?
• Fellowships Directory
• Timeline for Fellowship Applicants
• Identifying UK Graduate Programs & Funding

Recommendation Information for Referees

• Additional Resources for US and International Students
• Resources for Graduate Students
• Applicant Responsibilities and Penn Policies
• Draft Review
• Practice Interviews
• Past Penn Recipients

Instructions for Applicants

Selecting appropriate referees is among the most important aspects of any application. Failure to adhere to the guidelines of a specific fellowship will disqualify you from consideration for that fellowship.

When fellowships require faculty referees, at least some of your referees should be Standing Faculty (Professor, Associate Professor, or Assistant Professor).  Lecturers and Adjunct Faculty can be valuable referees, but Standing Faculty can add particular weight and support for your application.  That said, it is inadvisable to solicit letters from Standing Faculty who do not know you well enough to comment in detail on your academic performance and intellectual abilities, so choose wisely.

In any case, the most important question you should ask any potential referee ( in person , if possible) is:

"Can you write a  strong  recommendation letter  for me  for  this fellowship  by  this deadline ?"

If you receive anything less than an affirmative response to each aspect of this important question, then you should probably ask someone else to write on your behalf.

In your initial request it is important for recommenders to understand how studying or working with them has been important to your academic and/or professional development. It is always wise to thank them for their mentorship and to note how their guidance and inspiration has been important in your development. Asking faculty and other mentors with whom you have not studied or worked recently is quite common (and often necessary). In this case, it is particularly important to remind them of a paper or project you completed under their guidance, the project's findings or impacts, and in some cases the other individuals with whom you collaborated (e.g., post-docs, other organizations, etc.).

After your recommenders agree to write for you and you are about to generate an online recommendation request, you should provide your recommenders with a concise email that includes all of the following:

• your reason(s) for doing the program(s), with specifics about what you hope to study, and who you wish to study with and why
• an explanation of your long-term goals, how the program fits into them, and why the program will be helpful to you
• a discussion about how your academic coursework, research, and other relevant activities have qualified you for this program
• an up-to-date CV or resume

Keep in mind that faculty and other recommenders are extremely busy, especially during the summer when faculty are focused on their research and all recommenders are trying to squeeze in vacation time.  NOTE:  Penn online recommendation requests for Rhodes, Marshall, and Mitchell applicants should be submitted to faculty recommenders  no later than June 30  (over one year before you intend to commence graduate study).

Applicants are responsible for providing referees with as much information as possible about themselves, their goals, and the fellowship(s) for which they are applying at least six weeks before the date their letter is due to CURF (or to the fellowship, if there is no CURF deadline), including:

• a resume or CV
• to whom each letter should be addressed
• materials (such as academic papers) the applicant previously submitted to the referee
• Most importantly,  the applicant must inform the referee  of the submission deadline(s) !

Since each referee will serve a specific purpose in your application, you should help each referee understand the role s/he is being asked to play by emphasizing what aspect of your abilities you hope they can speak to in their letter. While it is extremely helpful for referees to receive a copy of your resume, you need them to write about specific instances in which they saw you working effectively.  It can be very helpful to a referee, for example, to know why you are asking them to write on your behalf by reminding them of a project or situation in which you excelled during their class, internship, or workplace, and how your work exemplifies one or more of the qualities the fellowship seeks.

See below for details specific to each fellowship . Please consult CURF advisors for questions on other fellowship recommendations or questions not addressed here.

Multiple applications

It is common for applicants to apply for multiple fellowships simultaneously, and it often makes sense to have the same referee write letters for all applications. For the prestigious fellowships CURF supports, a standard or generic letter – especially handled through a credentials service – makes a poor impression and is often logistically impossible. Instead, the referees can write one basic letter for an applicant applying to similar programs and produce one variant for each application – taking special care to refer correctly in each letter to the specific school and degree program and the specific fellowship. If the applicant is applying for dissimilar programs, the letters might vary slightly – but the essential points of the recommendation will remain much the same.

Applicants register referees with online application sites that will send an automated notice to the referees allowing them to log in and upload their letters. In some cases, these automated notices get caught in spam filters; applicants should remind referees to check their spam or junk mail folders. Many online application forms also include a space to list referees’ information; applicants should not confuse this with the actual referee registration process.

Applicants will need to register referees with each application they are requesting a recommendation for, and referees will need to upload/submit one letter for each application.  There is no mechanism to submit one letter to multiple application sites.

Academic vs non-academic

An “academic” letter of recommendation comes from someone who has supervised the applicant in coursework or research (ideally in a graded setting). All other letters are “personal” and do not need to be academic (but can be). All letters should come from someone who has supervised your work of some sort, whether academic, paid, unpaid, or community service. While mentors and informal advisors can be crucial in helping applicants think through their goals and plan accordingly, letters from these individuals often do not carry as much weight as letters from individuals who have worked closely with or supervised an applicant on a specific project(s).

Applicants must provide the exact number and type of recommendations required. Additional letters are not permitted, except in rare cases in which the number of recommendations is flexible.

Please see the Recommendation Information for Referees page to learn more about how to best support students who have asked you to write a letter of recommendation.

For information about specific recommendation letter requirements for specific fellowships, please visit that fellowship's page in the Fellowships Directory. Please consult CURF advisors for questions on other fellowship recommendations or questions not addressed here.

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Guidelines for writing letters of recommendation (lor) for residency and fellowship.

Needs Assessment:      What specific needs assessment data did you use to establish the need for this talk?

Letters of recommendation are an important part of the portfolio for medical students, residents and trainees and often lack consistency in structure and content.

Additional Needs Assessments include (please mark all that apply):

 Expert panels                                    Peer reviewed literature                       Research findings

 QA analysis                           National clinical guidelines                  Specialty Society guidelines

 Database analyses                              Lay press                                          Other societal trends

Please list key data or references and attach documentation that support this need :

( Example: list department vaccination rate and attach Logician printout and list national vaccination rate and attach article or reference with vaccination guidelines or rates.)

Training in Internal Medicine is the most common pathway for medical students at the Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine. On average about 20% of a medical school class enters training in general internal medicine.  Developing a consistent approach to letters of recommendation will allow our faculty to support early career colleagues who are pursuing careers in academic medicine.

What specific Maintenance of Certification competencies will this talk cover? Please mark all that apply.

XX Interpersonal and Communication                  Medical Knowledge                Patient Care

  Practice-based Learning and Improvement      XX Professionalism                     Systems-Based Practice

Learning Objectives:  Please list what learners will be able to do after they participate in the activity?  

( Please refer to Writing Clear Learning Objectives tips sheet.)

At the conclusion of this activity participants will be able to:

Method:   Please check which education formats will be used during for this session (Mark all the apply)

XX Lecture/Didactic session        Panel discussion                    Audio/videoconference         Case presentation

XX Small group discussion           Laboratory experience            Pre/Post Test                        Workshops

 Other:       

Why is this method appropriate for your learning activity? How will this method assist you in accomplishing your stated objectives?

The speakers will provide and didactic overview and then use small and large group discussions to review challenges that the audience has faced in writing letters of recommendation.  This will allow all learners to reflect on their own practice in writing recommendation letters.

Will any tools be provided to participants to assist with the changes in practice learned during this session?

  Patient education                     Patient reminder system                       Promotion of Self-Management

XX Provider education                 Provider reminder system                     Data Relay

  Audit and Feedback                 Organizational change                        XX Other Web links to resources that

Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine designates this Enduring activity for a maximum of 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ . Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

• 1.00 MA Risk Management
• 1.00 Participation

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The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW Washington, DC 20500

How to Apply

Thank you for your interest in the White House Fellows Program. The application period for the 2024-2025 fellowship year is now closed.

The selection process is very competitive. The White House Fellows Program office processes the applications, and former Fellows screen the applications, to identify the most promising candidates. Approximately one hundred of the most qualified applicants are selected to be Regional Finalists and are interviewed by eight to ten regional panels, which are composed of prominent local citizens. Chosen candidates then proceed to Selection Weekend for the final round of interviews.

The President’s Commission on White House Fellowships awards Fellowships on a strictly non-partisan basis, and encourages balance and diversity in all aspects of the program.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

• Applicants must be U.S. citizens.
• Employees of the Federal government are not eligible unless they are career military personnel.
• Applicants must have completed their undergraduate education by the time they begin the application process.
• If you have additional questions about the program, please contact our program office at  [email protected]  or (202) 395-4522. If you encounter technical difficulties with your application, please contact  [email protected] .

SELECTION CRITERIA

Selection as a White House Fellow is based on a combination of the following criteria:

• A record of remarkable professional achievement early in one’s career.
• Evidence of leadership skills and the potential for further growth.
• A demonstrated commitment to public service.
• The skills to succeed at the highest levels of the Federal government, and the ability to work effectively as part of a team.

All these qualities combined with the strength of one’s character, a positive attitude, and the ability to work well with others are taken into consideration when selecting a class of White House Fellows.

RECOMMENDATION LETTERS

Applicants will be asked to submit the names and email addresses of three recommenders (and one alternate recommender) within the application portal. We encourage you to complete this section of the application as early as possible to ensure that recommenders have ample time to submit letters of recommendation.

We also strongly encourage you to provide diverse letters of recommendation (i.e. academia, professional, community service). It is best to have recommendations from individuals who know you well and can fully answer the questions that are asked in the application. For example, a recommendation letter from a prominent person is not helpful if that individual cannot speak about your background and character.

At least one recommendation should be from an individual that can speak to your professional competence and accomplishments in your field. At least one recommendation should come from someone with knowledge of your community and civic activities. In addition, one recommendation should be from your current supervisor, if applicable. A recommendation from a prior supervisor is acceptable, but a current supervisor is preferred.

Please take caution when submitting your recommenders’ information to avoid mistakes, as this section of the application will be locked once you submit the information and the only way to make changes is through Technical Services at  [email protected] .

Your recommender will receive automated instructions on how to submit a letter of recommendation on your behalf within 24 hours. If they do not receive this email, please contact Technical Services at  [email protected] ; please be sure to provide the name and email of the recommender who did not receive the instructions.

Please contact the program office at  [email protected]  or (202) 395-4522 if you have additional questions.

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How to Write a Strong Letter of Recommendation for College

If you’re a college counselor, coach, teacher, or mentor looking to support your college-bound students, chances are you’ve been asked to write a strong letter of recommendation. Stand-out letters of recommendation can give students a serious leg-up during college admissions. According to a 2024 post from Admit Report , college admissions officers will read as many as than 50,000 applications per admission cycle for a given university.

With that much competition, it can take a lot to help your student stand out. So, what catches an admissions officer’s eye? Strong letters of recommendation.

In that same survey, admissions counselors said letters of recommendation were more important to them than a student’s extracurricular activities, AP test scores, or even class rank. That means it’s worth putting a little extra effort into your next letter. Here’s how to write a college letter of recommendation that will blow the admission committee’s socks off. 

Need more help? Check out Going Merry’s high school counselor hub for email templates, how-to’s, and other resources.

Introduction

The introduction is one of the most important parts of your letter. This is your chance to hook the reader and draw them in. Here’s how to ace one common recommendation letter format. 

1. Open with a formal salutation

Your letter of recommendation should begin like any business letter. Keep in mind that, while common, “Dear Sir or Madam,” can feel gendered or outdated. “To Whom It May Concern,” is acceptable but can feel a little impersonal. If you can, find out the name of the admissions director. If you can’t find a direct contact, simply address your letter to “Dear Admissions Counselor.” Be sure to type on your official letterhead to give your letter an even more professional look.  

2. Introduce the student 

Start your first paragraph with a sentence or two explaining how long you’ve known the student and in what capacity. Were you their baseball coach, English teacher, or high school counselor ? Explain how you met. If possible, use a little descriptive detail to bring this anecdote to life, and mention your first impressions of the student. It’s usually standard to use the student’s first and last name upon first mention, then refer to them by their first name going forward.

3. Establish a personal connection 

Next, add a sentence or two demonstrating your connection to the student. This is one of the most crucial parts of writing a strong college letter of recommendation. Admissions officers are looking for endorsements from people who really know the candidate well. If you don’t have a personal connection to the student that goes beyond simply being their teacher or counselor, that’s okay. Remember, you can always say no and encourage them to ask someone else to write their letter instead.

One of the best ways to establish this connection and help a student stand out is to tell a memorable story that illustrates their character. Include an example of a time when their qualities or skills really shone. Maybe this is a story about how they stepped up in a leadership position, reacted well in a moment of success or failure, or went out of their way to help another student. Make sure it’s specific and personalized.

Use this section to paint a picture of this young person and explain what makes them stand out. 

1. Highlight the student’s achievements  

Use the next paragraph to mention the student’s top accomplishments. Keep in mind that the admissions officer will already have the student’s resume and GPA in front of them, so don’t waste time listing a bunch of achievements. 

Instead, mention a specific example or short anecdote that might add color to a prominent resume item. For example, the admissions officer probably already knows that your student is a varsity basketball player or a debate team captain. But if this is the hardest-working student-athlete you’ve ever coached or the most brilliant debater the school has ever seen, that’s worth a mention.

Another tip: While it can be helpful to use a letter template , try to avoid using the same formula for every student on your list. College admissions officers are often assigned to a particular region. That means the same person will likely end up reading the same high school teachers’ or counselors’ letters year after year. If your letters are practically the same for each student, the admissions officer will notice.

2. Speak to the student’s character 

Now that you’ve mentioned a student’s successes, it’s time to explain what personal qualities led to such success. Try to make this part of the letter flow naturally from the previous section. 

This is your chance to talk about the student’s hard work, magnetic personality, or aptitude for learning. That said, it’s best to avoid generic statements and clichés . The phrases “great work ethic,” and “strong team spirit” show up on thousands of letters each year. Instead, use concrete examples and descriptive detail to bring your student’s character traits to life. 

Instead of “He’s thoughtful,” say “He’s capable of discussing even the most complex topics with humility and nuance.” Instead of “She’s intellectually curious,” say, “She thinks like a scientist, and over the last four years, she’s turned in such thoughtful lab assessments that sometimes I worried she was teaching me more than I was teaching her.” It’s that kind of vivid description and personalization that catches the attention of college admissions counselors. 

Also be mindful of racial biases and gender biases in letter writing . If you’re not mindful, these unconscious biases can sneak into your letter and negatively color the admissions officer’s view of your student.

3. Provide context 

Praise doesn’t mean much without context. Be sure to benchmark your student’s achievements against those of their peers. This kind of context gives college admissions counselors a better understanding of the student’s abilities. It will be easier for them to make admissions decisions when they can clearly evaluate a student’s performance relative to others. 

So, for example, a weak recommendation letter might state that a student “writes well and participates often in class.” A strong recommendation letter might say something like, “I’ve taught more than 2,000 students in my time as an educator and I’ve never met someone with such a knack for the written word. Many young people struggle to describe their inner world in vivid detail, but Henry succeeded in capturing both me and his classmates with his thoughtful, relatable prose.”

Your final paragraph is your chance to remind your reader why this student is so unique and deserving of a spot at this particular school. Be sure to follow these general guidelines:  

1. End on a positive note 

Your final paragraph should provide a brief summary of your recommendation so far and express why you believe so strongly in this particular student’s likelihood of success. It’s standard to include your contact information in the conclusion in case the admissions office has any further questions for you. This could include your email or office phone number — whatever you’re comfortable providing.   

2. Use a formal closing

As with your opening, the closing of your letter should be professional and businesslike. “Best Regards,” is a common closing, though “Sincerely,” or “Respectfully,” will also work.

Guidelines to follow as you write 

Writing a strong letter of recommendation isn’t just about what you write – it’s how you write, too. Here are some guidelines to keep in mind.

• Keep it relatively brief: The audience you’re writing for has to evaluate countless recommendation letters just like the one you’re writing. Be respectful of their time and try to keep your letter to around one page in length.
• Be honest and balanced : While it’s important to emphasize the student’s positive qualities, it’s just important to be honest and balanced in your assessment. Avoid exaggerations or misleading statements.
• Tailor the recommendation to the college: Do some research on the colleges the student is applying to and customize your letter accordingly. Highlight traits or experiences that align with the particular college’s values or programs. This shows that you’ve taken the time to understand the student’s goals and aspirations.
• Avoid cliches: Steer clear of overused phrases and generic statements. Instead, provide original and thoughtful insights about the student.
• Use professional language and tone : The admissions process is serious business. Maintain a professional tone throughout the letter and use appropriate language. Avoid slang or informal expressions.
• Proofread and edit : Take the time to review and edit your letter carefully. Check for any spelling or grammatical errors, and ensure that the letter flows smoothly and is well-organized. Consider asking a colleague to proofread it when you’re done.
• Follow the guidelines : If the college or university provides specific guidelines or requirements for the letter of recommendation, make sure to follow them closely. This may include details on formatting, submission methods, or specific questions to address.
• Give yourself enough time to write: Writing a college letter of recommendation can take hours, days, or weeks depending on who you are and your relationship to the student. Give yourself plenty of time to sit down, write a draft, and revisit it to make sure it’s polished enough to submit. 

Support your students with Going Merry 

Letters of recommendation are one of the most critical parts of the college application process . That’s because the rest of a college application is pretty dry. Grades and ACT scores only say so much about a person, and colleges want to see more than just academic performance. 

The best students are born leaders with courage, drive, and personality. A good letter can bring your student to life for an admissions committee and even help sway their decision. 

As a high school counselor, you may write dozens — if not hundreds — of recommendation letters each year. Fortunately, Going Merry can help take the busywork off your plate so you focus on what matters. 

With Going Merry’s high school counselor resource hub, you can find everything from free email templates and financial aid lesson plans, to thousands of scholarships sorted by amount, location, and eligibility requirements. Sign up now or schedule a demo to find out how Going Merry can streamline your workflow. 

Disclaimer: This blog post provides personal finance educational information, and it is not intended to provide legal, financial, or tax advice.

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2025 Delta Science Fellowship

Notices of Intent to submit are due by 5:00PM PT, June 24, 2024. Applications are due by 5:00PM PT, August 26, 2024

NOTE: The Delta Science Program and California Sea Grant will host an optional informational webinar to review the fellowship program and application logistics on May 22nd, 2024 from 10:30AM - 12:00PM PT.

To register for the RFA information webinar, go to  https://ucsd.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_KMVM-srgTvmdZneHUldiqg This presentation will be recorded and made available on the Sea Grant website.

*If this is your first time using Zoom, we encourage you to login at least five minutes before the webinar starts, as you may need to download software.

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Application Process and Contents

Information Contact

Appendices .

Appendix A: Sample Fellow Mentoring Plan Appendix B: Map of the Delta

Please read this solicitation carefully as there have been changes from previous announcements. 

The Delta Science Program and California Sea Grant are excited to announce the 14th round of Delta Science Fellowships, with support for the 2025-2026 academic years. This fellowship funds research projects of up to two years in duration that will advance the state of knowledge underlying high priority science issues that affect the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta (Delta) and its management as an integrated socio-ecological system. Eligible applicants include postdoctoral researchers, Ph.D. students, and master’s students. Priority topic areas are identified below, and include research in both the biophysical and social sciences. For the purposes of this request for applications (RFA), biophysical science refers to biological, chemical, and/or physical science. The Fellows award includes a monthly stipend along with research and/or education-related expenses (including tuition and/or health benefits) up to $110,522/year for postdoctoral fellows and $94,500/year for Ph.D. and master’s fellows, including indirect costs. Fellowships include up to two years of support.  Notices of Intent to submit are due by 5:00PM PT, June 24, 2024. Applications are due by 5:00PM PT, August 26, 2024.

Delta Stewardship Council On February 3, 2010, the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Reform Act of 2009 took effect, creating the Delta Stewardship Council (Council) as an independent state agency. The Council’s mission is to advance the state’s coequal goals for the Delta as described in the 2009 Delta Reform Act: achievement of a more reliable statewide water supply and a healthy and protected ecosystem, both in a manner that protects and enhances the unique characteristics of the Delta as an evolving place. Under the same legislation, the Delta Science Program within the Council became the successor to the CALFED Science Program, which previously sponsored the CALFED (now “Delta”) Science Fellowship.  

Delta Science Program The mission of the Delta Science Program is to provide the best possible unbiased scientific information to inform water and environmental decision-making in the Delta. The Delta Science Program carries out its mission by funding research, synthesizing and communicating scientific information to policy and decision makers, promoting independent scientific peer review, and coordinating with Delta agencies to promote science-based adaptive management (Delta Reform Act 2009, Water Code section 85280(b)(4)). 

The Science Action Agenda The  2022-2026 Science Action Agenda (SAA) is a four-year multidisciplinary science agenda for the Delta that prioritizes and aligns science actions to respond to relevant management questions and inform management decisions. The SAA was developed through a collaborative process and provides a list of high priority science actions (e.g. research, synthesis, science communication activities) that complement goals in the  2019 Delta Science Plan , which generally seeks to achieve the vision ‘One Delta, One Science’ – an open Delta science community that works collaboratively to build a shared body of scientific knowledge with the capacity to adapt and inform future water and environmental decisions.  The 2025 Delta Science Fellowship priority topic areas are based on the 2022-2026 Science Action Agenda.

People are an influential and inextricable component of the Delta environment. The Council recognizes the important role of social science in advancing Delta management and restoration. However, social science in the Delta has received significantly less research attention than the biophysical sciences. To that end, a specific area of emphasis for the 2025 Delta Science Fellows Program is investigations that aim to better understand the human and social components of the Delta system . Proposals will be evaluated by   two separate review panels: one for social science applications and one for biophysical science applications. For more context on the growing effort to integrate social science research and management in the Delta, please see the Council's  Social Science Integration Webpage and the  Social Science Task Force Report .

California Sea Grant California Sea Grant ’s mission is to provide the information, tools, training and relationships needed to help California conserve and sustainably prosper from our coastal and marine environments. We accomplish this by collaborating with a range of local, state, regional, national, and international partners to further the acquisition and application of relevant scientific knowledge.

In partnership with agency partners, industry and other academic partners, California Sea Grant is committed to contributing to a diverse, skilled and environmentally literate workforce that can address critical local, regional and national challenges. Our long-standing collaboration with the Delta Science Program helps California Sea Grant provide training opportunities that advance education and career development in diverse facets of coastal and ocean sciences.

Delta Science Fellows Program The purpose of the Delta Science Fellows   Program is to train the next generation of science leaders in the Delta by bringing together fellows with research mentors and community mentors in collaborative research, data analysis, and synthesis projects relevant to Delta policy and management. California Sea Grant will administer and manage the fellowship program on behalf of the Delta Science Program. Fellowships will be awarded based on the intellectual merit and broader impacts articulated in the application and the expected contribution of the work to the priority issues identified in the 2022-2026 SAA . Additionally, proposals will be assessed for the degree to which the proposed activity will promote high quality mentorship of the fellow by research and community mentor(s), as well as contribute to furthering diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and other beneficial, broader societally-relevant impacts in the sciences.

Goals The goals of the Delta Science Fellows Program are to:

• Engage highly qualified scientific talent to help advance the state of knowledge in social and biophysical science on high priority Management Needs and Science Actions identified by the SAA. 
• Provide support for the training and development of social and biophysical scientists to work on research projects that support resource management in the Delta and contribute to DEI in Delta science; and 
• Promote scientific partnerships across research institutions, agencies, non-profit organizations, Delta communities, and multiple disciplines.

Summary of Eligibility and Requirements To be eligible, applicants  must identify at least one community mentor (more than one is acceptable) and a research mentor. A community mentor is a subject matter expert who conducts science or uses scientific information to further scientific understanding, management, or decision making in the Delta. Community mentors may work for tribal governments; state, federal, or local agencies; nonprofit or private organizations; or possibly universities. The community mentor(s) will provide guidance for the fellow's project with respect to outreach and communications, relevance to management, and the timeliness of the research questions and approach.

The research mentor, typically the fellow’s advisor or committee chair, will serve as the lead mentor for the fellow, providing broad oversight and review of the fellow’s research and products. During the fellowship, the fellow, community mentor(s), and research mentor will collaborate on the approved project, and together they will provide regular progress updates to the Delta Science Program that include information about outreach products, conference abstracts, and draft or published scholarly manuscripts. A mentoring plan between the fellow, the research mentor, and the community mentor(s) will be required within one month after the fellowship is initiated (see Appendix A). 

Applicants are encouraged to use existing data sets to the maximum extent feasible. If collection of new data is part of the proposed research, the prospective fellow should clearly explain how these new data will supplement available data and what existing data will be used as part of the project. 

Proposed fellowship projects must either be physically located in the Delta or provide a demonstrable link to the Delta and address the priority research topics identified in the 2022-2026 SAA. A link to the Delta could include hydrologic connection, tribal ancestral/spiritual connection, social/cultural connection, etc. The “Delta” means the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta (see Appendix B) as defined in Water Code Section 12220 and the Suisun Marsh as defined in Public Resources Code Section 29101 (Water Code Section 79702[e]).

Expected Awards The Delta Science Program and partner organizations are expected to sponsor a total of approximately 5 fellows across multiple disciplinary areas. 

Award The fellowship will provide up to two (2) years of support based on scope/type of projects and contingent upon the availability of funds, for postdoctoral, Ph.D., and master’s fellows. The award includes funds for a monthly stipend and for research- and/or education-related expenses including tuition and/or health benefits. Once the successful fellows are selected, California Sea Grant will issue the award (including stipend and research-related expenses) to the university, college, or research institution that is the affiliation of the fellow and research mentor. 

Postdoctoral fellows will receive a stipend up to $66,868 per year. Ph.D. and master’s fellows will receive a stipend of up to $45,000 per year, for a maximum duration of two years. In addition, each fellow may request funds (up to $15,000 per year for postdoctoral fellows or $25,000 per year for Ph.D. and master’s fellows) for research supplies/equipment, travel, and other expenses necessary for carrying out the proposed research, as well as education-related expenses including tuition and/or health benefits. Travel may include attendance at scientific meetings either virtually or in person, including the Bay-Delta Science Conference or State of the Estuary Conference (see “Communication of Information”). 

The funds for research-related costs and benefits are subject to a maximum indirect cost rate limit of 35%, in accordance with rates determined/set by the cooperative agreement between the Delta Science Program and California Sea Grant. The maximum amount requested for the stipend plus research and/or education-related expenses (including tuition or health benefits) should not exceed $110,522/year for postdoctoral fellows and $94,500/year for Ph.D. and master’s fellows, including indirect costs.

For Ph.D. and master’s fellows, the portion of the award provided to each fellow for tuition (unless waived), health insurance, and other university fees will be determined by each university in accordance with its guidelines. The portion of the award for living expenses will be distributed as a monthly stipend, not as salaries, wages, and benefits, by the academic or research institution affiliated with the fellow. 

Continued support after the first year will be contingent on satisfactory performance and on the availability of funds. 

Mentoring Plan A formal mentoring plan must be submitted within one month after funds are awarded and the fellowship is initiated. The purpose of the mentoring plan is to ensure a quality experience for the fellow that provides a springboard to a career in scientific research or program implementation.

A sample mentoring plan is provided in Appendix A.

2025 Priority Topic Areas For 2025, the Delta Science Fellows Program is requesting research proposals that are responsive to one or more of the priority Management Needs and associated Science Action(s) identified in the draft 2022-2026 Science Action Agenda (SAA).

2022-2026 Science Action Agenda Management Needs:

Improve coordination and integration of large-scale experiments, data collection, and evaluation across regions and institutions

Enhance monitoring and model interoperability, integration, and forecasting

Expand multi-benefit approaches to managing the Delta as a social-ecological system

Build and integrate knowledge on social process and behavior of Delta communities and residents to support effective and equitable management

Acquire new knowledge and synthesize existing knowledge of interacting stressors to support species recovery

Assess and anticipate climate change impacts to support successful adaptation strategies

• Delta Science Tracker:  https://sciencetracker.deltacouncil.ca.gov  
• 2022-2026 Science Action Agenda:  https://scienceactionagenda.deltacouncil.ca.gov/  
• Social Science Task Force Report:  https://deltacouncil.ca.gov/pdf/science-program/delta-social-science-task-force/2020-04-07-task-force-final-report.pdf  
• Delta Science Plan:  https://deltacouncil.ca.gov/pdf/2019-delta-science-plan.pdf  
• The State of Bay Delta Science:  http://sbds.deltacouncil.ca.gov/

Research Mentors Fellowship applicants  must include a letter of support from the research mentor they plan to work with on the proposed effort. Research mentors must be scholars actively engaged in biophysical sciences or social sciences as the primary focus of their position, with a publication record in peer-reviewed journals. Research mentors working at academic institutions must be employed at the tenure-track level of Assistant Professor or higher (academics holding non-teaching, research faculty or extension positions are also eligible to be research mentors).

Applicants for the Ph.D. and master’s fellowships should be working with a research mentor from the academic institution at which they are enrolled. Applicants for the postdoctoral fellowship may work with mentors from any academic or research institution.

Community Mentors In addition to working with research mentors, fellows  are required to collaborate with at least one community mentor. The role of this mentor is to help guide research relevance, participate in the co-production of research, and help translate and communicate findings for non-academic audiences. Community mentors must have relevant subject matter expertise and be familiar with existing data and resource issues central to the proposed research. Current involvement with Delta programs or agencies working on Delta issues is preferred. Community mentors may be scientists, managers, engineers, scientific/technical staff, or other subject matter experts in agencies, environmental organizations, community-based groups, tribes, or stakeholder associations. 

Fellows will work closely with community mentors, sharing ideas and progress throughout the project. Fellows may also communicate their findings and request feedback from appropriate scientific/technical groups focused on the Delta system, e.g., the  Interagency Ecological Program project work teams .

As part of the application, applicants must identify at least one community mentor and include a letter of support from that community mentor.  Applicants need to enlist the community mentor during the proposal development stage in order to develop the collaboration and receive the community mentor’s feedback on the proposed work. Applicants may have more than one community mentor.

When submitting the NOI form, applicants should identify if they need help identifying a community mentor, and if so, provide sufficient information in their project description to help the Delta Science Program provide resources on finding a community mentor. 

Communication of Information BAY-DELTA SCIENCE OR STATE OF THE ESTUARY CONFERENCE Fellows will be required to present the results of their research at the Bay-Delta Science Conference or the State of the Estuary Conference, either as a poster or oral presentation. The conferences are held either virtually or in-person in Sacramento and the San Francisco Bay area, respectively. Fellows should budget for travel to at least one conference in their application. Fellows are also strongly encouraged to present their research at other national and international professional meetings.

PEER-REVIEWED PUBLICATIONS Fellows are required to publish results from this fellowship in peer-reviewed, open-access journals. Fellows may choose to publish their work in any such journal, but an example of a regionally focused, open access peer-reviewed journal is San Francisco Estuary & Watershed Science.

DELTA STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL MEETINGS Fellows may be asked to give a limited number of presentations or briefings to the Delta Stewardship Council, technical groups, or agency managers virtually or in person in Sacramento, California. In these cases, California Sea Grant will fund additional travel costs, if needed.

EARLY CAREER LEADERSHIP WORKSHOP If offered during the fellowship, fellows will be expected to attend a two-to-three-day Early Career Leadership Workshop, which may include a Delta Stewardship Council meeting, during their fellowship. This workshop helps to put research in the context of management challenges, provides training in communicating science, provides advice on how to build a successful science career, and provides advice on career opportunities. Fellows are required to budget for travel to the Early Career Leadership Workshop in their application.

ANNUAL REPORTS All fellows must prepare annual progress reports to be submitted to the California Sea Grant Office, who will deliver them to the Delta Science Program. The progress report will detail the fellow’s research activities, provide retrospective and prospective revision of the research plan, and report expenditures. Additionally, a copy (may be electronic) of any poster/other professional submissions to that year’s science conference(s) or scientific journals will be required at the end of each year, as well as any available citations of research products, complete with Document Object Identifier (DOI) numbers. Additional metrics specified in the mentoring plan should be reported.

FINAL COMPLETION REPORT Each fellow must produce and submit to the California Sea Grant Office a final research report, which will be delivered to the Delta Science Program at the end of the respective fellowship agreement period. The final report will summarize results and accomplishments of the research project, including all publications since the fellowship’s inception. Additional metrics specified in the mentoring plan should be reported.

All data generated by this project is due with the Final Completion Report, and data will be posted online in an open access data portal or delivered to the California Sea Grant Office, who will deliver them to the Delta Science Program. Applicants are strongly encouraged to use reproducible workflows (e.g., script-based analyses in R; documentation of coding or QA procedures), follow FAIR (findable, accessible, interoperable, reusable) data principles, publish model code, and publish journal articles using open-access services.

Data management should be consistent with the following principles:

• Datasets are clearly labeled in a way that is understandable to general users.
• Data are interoperable (machine readable).
• Standard data and metadata formats are used for similar data types.
• Quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) procedures are documented and followed.
• Appropriate steps have been taken to protect human subjects data (e.g., IRB review).
• Open and transparent data and metadata are accessible to the public in a reasonable time frame. All data generated and all models produced from awarded projects are required to be made publicly accessible no later than two years after the end date of the project, except where prohibited by law, regulation, or policy or security requirements, for example with human subjects data.

The DSP respects the sovereignty of Tribes and will not require disclosure of sensitive or confidential information, to the extent allowed by law. For projects based on traditional and tribal knowledges, the project team will be expected to work with the Council and/or Sea Grant to prepare and enter into a data sharing agreement that defines how project results and deliverables will be used, in alignment with the CARE (collective benefit, authority to control, responsibility, and ethics) data principles.

In addition, the fellow will be required to enter project information to the Delta Science Tracker, a comprehensive tracking tool for science activities conducted in the Delta. The tool provides summaries and visualizations of science funding streams, collaborations, science and management topics, and many other project attributes.

This is a prestigious fellowship program, and past recipients have gone on to successful careers in agencies, universities, and other organizations. Fellows are encouraged to maintain contact with Sea Grant and the Delta Science Program during and after their fellowship so they can remain abreast of opportunities to communicate their research, participate on review panels, and participate in other activities. 

POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIPS Prospective postdoctoral science fellows must have completed a Ph.D. before the starting date of the fellowship. The degree must be from a program in the environmental sciences, engineering, social sciences, human dimensions or in a related field appropriate for disciplines identified under “Fellowship Opportunities.” Any postdoctoral researcher associated with an accredited U.S. institution of higher learning for the duration of the grant may apply. Postdoctoral fellowships will not be awarded unless and until the prospective fellow has fully completed the Ph.D. degree.

PH.D. (GRADUATE DOCTORAL) FELLOWSHIPS  Prospective Ph.D. science fellows must, at the time of application, be in or have recently been admitted to a Ph.D. degree program in natural resources, environmental sciences, environmental policy and management, engineering, social sciences, human dimensions, or coastal, aquatic, or related sciences at any accredited U.S. institution of higher education. Applicants who have not yet received notice of admission agree to notify California Sea Grant of the admissions outcome at the earliest possible date, or risk non-review of their application. Candidates must remain associated with an accredited U.S. institution of higher learning for the duration of the award.

MASTERS (GRADUATE MASTER’S) FELLOWSHIPS  Prospective master’s science fellows must, at the time of application, be actively enrolled or recently been admitted to a master’s degree program in natural resources, environmental sciences, environmental policy and management, engineering, social sciences, human dimensions, or coastal, aquatic or related sciences at any accredited U.S. institution of higher education. Applicants who have not yet received notice of admission agree to notify California Sea Grant of the admissions outcome at the earliest possible date, or risk non-review of their application. Candidates must remain associated with an accredited U.S. institution of higher learning for the duration of the award.

Sea Grant and the Delta Science Program are committed to increasing the diversity of the workforce we fund and of the communities we serve. We embrace individuals of all ages, races, ethnicities, national origins, gender identities, sexual orientations, disabilities, cultures, religions, marital statuses, job classifications, veteran status types, as well as income and socioeconomic status types. Sea Grant and the Delta Science Program are committed to building inclusive research, extension, communication, and education programs that serve people with unique knowledge, backgrounds, life experiences, needs, perspectives, and ways of thinking.

Applications must be submitted to the California Sea Grant College Program Office no later than 5:00 pm Pacific Time, August 26, 2024. Applications will only be accepted from individuals who submitted a Notice of Intent by the June 24th deadline. A review panel consisting of outside, independent expert reviewers from relevant disciplines, facilitated by Delta Science Program leadership, and California Sea Grant leadership will be convened for each track (biophysical science and social science) to review and recommend finalists to the Delta Science Program Lead Scientist, using the criteria outlined below.

Applicants will be asked to indicate in their Notice of Intent form which panel they would like to review their application. Proposals which are biological, chemical, and/or physical in discipline are appropriate for the biophysical science track. Projects that are interdisciplinary in nature (incorporating elements of both biophysical and social science) may request to be co-reviewed by the Biophysical and Social Science Technical Review Panels.

The evaluation criteria include:

• The quality of the research proposal, including appropriateness of the approach to be used (25%). 
• The strength of academic performance and relevant academic achievement, experience, and the quality of applicant’s career goal statement (20%).
• The importance of the proposed research to the priority topics identified (25%). 
• The research mentor’s demonstrated abilities in the general area of methodology and/or questions addressed by the proposal (10%).
• The expected quality and strength of interaction that will be developed between the fellow and their research and community mentor(s) (10%). 
• The degree to which the proposed activity will achieve beneficial, broader societally-relevant impacts. Societally-relevant outcomes that the Delta Science Program and California Sea Grant value include, but are not limited to the following: advanced diversity, equity, and inclusion in Delta science; curriculum enhancement and educator training at any level; increased public scientific literacy and public engagement with science; enhanced equitability of public access to information and resources; increased partnerships between academia, communities, industry, and others; and enhanced infrastructure for research and education (10%). 

Selection Process We anticipate awarding a total of approximately 5 fellowships for 2025. All applicants will likely be notified of the selection decision by November 2024.

Delta Stewardship Council and California Sea Grant shall award in the rank order based on the evaluation criteria above unless the proposal is justified to be selected out of rank order based on one or more of the following factors:

• Availability of funding.
• Geographically
• By type of institution 
• By type of partners 
• By solicitation priorities 
• By project types
• By application education level
• Duplication of other projects funded or considered for funding by Delta Stewardship Council and California Sea Grant.
• Program priorities and policy factors.
• Applicant’s prior award performance.
• Partnerships with/participation of diverse groups, mentors and underrepresented communities.

Permits For scientists proposing the collection of new samples or data: The proposer must provide documentation in the proposal project narrative that any permit(s) or permissions required for the collection of those data are (or will be) in hand by the start date of the project. Permits needed may include, but are not limited to, take permits for threatened or endangered species under the federal or State Endangered Species Acts, a geophysical survey permit from the California State Lands Commission if proposing the use of acoustic generating equipment in waters of the Delta, and ethical review for human subjects research (e.g., surveys, interviews, focus groups, observations) by an Institutional Review Board (IRB). If applicable, please contact the IRB associated with your institution for more information. If no such permits are required, we ask that this be stated in the proposal text. Ensuring that all permits are properly obtained before research commences is the responsibility of the applicant. 

Timetable May 22, 2024 (10:30AM - 12:00PM PT) - RFA Informational Webinar June 24, 2024 (5:00PM PT) - Notice of Intent form due August 26, 2024 (5:00PM PT) - Applications due to California Sea Grant College Program via eSeaGrant online submission portal November 2024 (approximate) - Applicants notified of selection results Feb 2025 (approximate) – Start date: Funds awarded to the selected Delta Science Masters, Ph.D. and postdoctoral fellows Jan 2027 (approximate) – 2-year fellowship awards end. 1-year fellowships will also be considered (ending Jan 2026).   

Please note that due to the constraints inherent to the funding source, no time extensions beyond dates specified in the award will be possible.

Notice of Intent to Submit (NOI) 

NOIs are due by June 24, 2024, at 5pm PT.

Applicants are required to fill out an online form signifying their Notice of Intent to submit an application for this opportunity in order for their application to be accepted and reviewed. The NOI is not evaluated and is used to help connect applicants with community members as well as identify appropriate reviewers for the review process. For the NOI, applicants need to provide their names, contact information, tentative project title and description, research mentor name and affiliation, and community mentor(s) (if identified). Applicants should identify if they need help identifying a community mentor, and if so, provide sufficient information in their project description, including five keywords describing their proposed project, to help the Delta Science Program provide resources on finding a community mentor. Applicants also need to select whether they prefer their applications be reviewed by the social science panel, biophysical science panel or both. 

If you will need assistance in identifying community mentors, please fill out your Notice of Intent as soon as possible to provide The Delta Stewardship Council ample time in assisting you with resources.

Link to NOI Form

Full Proposal Electronic Submission 

Proposals are required to be submitted using eSeaGrant by 5:00pm PT on August 26, 2024 PDT:  http://eseagrant2.ucsd.edu . Only applicants who submitted an NOI by June 24th will be eligible to submit a full application. The contact email provided by the applicant in the NOI form will be used to provide the applicant access to eSeaGrant. 

You will need to register for an account (click on the banner labeled “Register”) in eSeaGrant if you have not done so in the past year. You can change the randomly generated password once you log in successfully into the website. 

To start an application in eSeaGrant, or revisit/edit an existing application, click on “Current Tasks” in your eSeaGrant dashboard. To start a new application, click on “Add Fellowship Application” under “Fellowship Applications: “2025 Delta Science Fellowship”. If you have already started an application and wish to edit it, click on the hyperlink for that application instead.

In order to submit a proposal, you must work through sections in order (“Title Page” through “Submission Preview”) listed on the left side of the proposal window. eSeaGrant provides sections to upload required forms. 

We advise not to wait until the last minute to submit your application; when eSeaGrant experiences high user traffic, you may experience page loading delays.  It is the applicant’s responsibility to get all required materials submitted before the deadline, and the submission deadline will not be extended.

For questions regarding use of eSeaGrant, please contact California Sea Grant Fellowship Programs Coordinator, Delanie Medina; email:  [email protected] . 

Contents of a Complete Application Listed below are the requirements for a complete application package. Please use this checklist to aid you in preparing the application. Note: Only applicants who submitted an NOI by the deadline will be eligible to submit a full application.

1) Title or Cover Page  A signed title page must be included with the proposal. A blank copy downloadable in Excel format, labeled “DSF-2025.Cover-Page”, can be found on eSeaGrant. Please provide all requested information and obtain the required signatures. If you are applying from an academic institution, send your original proposal to your campus research office for local campus approval. The completed and signed title page must be converted to a PDF and uploaded. 

2) Project Summary  (1-page limit, using 12-pt font and 1” margins) The Project Summary is fillable on-line in eSeaGrant. Applicants will need to prepare separate, brief sections for objectives, methodology and rationale (referring to relevance to high priority Delta Science Actions) to complete the Project Summary form. The project summary presents a concise description of the proposed research in a form useful for a variety of purposes such as informational websites and outreach products. The project summary is the most widely consulted description of your project. 

3) Project Narrative The Project Narrative will be a single PDF file including multiple components. The format may vary; however, applications should include the information listed below. The Proposed Research section (3a) of the Project Narrative file  MUST not exceed 12 pages  (INCLUDING illustrations, charts, tables, and figures, BUT NOT including literature citations). The other components of the Project Narrative listed below as 3b, 3c, and 3d do not count towards your 12-page limit. 

3a)  Proposed Research  (12-page limit, not including literature citations, using 12-pt font and 1” margins).  The format is flexible but please address the following:

• Introduction/Question/Objectives: What is the question/problem being addressed? What are the goals and objectives of the proposed research? These should be well-defined and clearly stated.
• Approach/Plan of Work: What is the anticipated approach to the proposed research? The application should present evidence that there has been thoughtful consideration of the approach to the question(s) under study, with a timeline for meeting objectives during the requested period of support. Sufficient detail of the methodologies should be provided to facilitate an assessment of the adequacy of the approach to achieve the stated objectives.
• Benefits and Broader Impacts: What are the anticipated benefits of this fellowship to the fellow, research mentor, and community mentor(s)? What is the relevance of the research to Delta communities, policy, or management of the Delta? Discuss how the project team and proposed work will advance diversity, equity, and inclusion in Delta science and work to achieve other beneficial, broader societally-relevant impacts as described in selection criterion F.
• Anticipated Outputs and Products: What outputs and products can be expected after year 1, and after year 2? Please describe anticipated outputs/products per year.
• Literature Citations: Should be included but will not be counted toward the 12-page limit for the proposed research.

3b)  Explain which overarching Management Need and specific Science Action within it are most related to the project and how the proposed work will address them.  If applicable, discuss how the work relates to up to two additional Science Actions. Please be specific, as relevance to the 2022-2026 SAA is one of the criteria used to evaluate projects (1-page limit). 

3c)  Personal Statement from the fellowship candidate that describes how this project fits into the fellow’s career plans and summarizes experiences that specifically prepared the applicant for this project. Please address how this project will promote interactions with your research and community mentors that will benefit your professional development (2-page limit). 

3d)  CVs from the fellowship applicant, research mentor(s), and community mentor(s) (2-page limit for each CV). This does not count towards the Project Narrative 12-page limit.

4) Budget and Budget Justification  Pay careful attention to the annual budget limits noted above (see section titled Fellowship Program – Award). Budget worksheets will need to be created in eSeaGrant. A budget workbook available to download in eSeaGrant (called DSF-2025.Budget) may help in planning your budget. However, please remember that your budget submission and justification must be completed using the online form in eSeaGrant. Do not submit the Excel file as your final budget. In eSeaGrant, the fellow’s stipend should be listed under “Section G-Other costs” and not under salaries and wages. Also, as applicable, indicate expected costs for expendable supplies, publication costs, and travel (please clearly identify any travel proposed outside of California or international travel). Fellows are required to include travel funds in their budget for the 3-day Early Career Leadership Workshop jointly-hosted by California Sea Grant and The Delta Stewardship Council in Sacramento. Delta Science Fellows will abide by their campus and/or the award travel policy, whichever is more strict.  This fellowship does not require matching funds so “Grantee Mos. Effort” and “Grantee Share” should be left blank. The funds for research-related costs and benefits are subject to a maximum indirect cost rate of 35%, in accordance with rates determined/set by the cooperative agreement between Delta Science Program and California Sea Grant. All budget sections will require justification. The budget justification should explain all budget items in sufficient detail to enable reviewers to evaluate the appropriateness of the research-related funds being requested. 

For any questions regarding your budget, please contact Chief Administrative Officer Christine Griffin at California Sea Grant at [email protected].

5) Letters of Support The fellowship application requires that letters of support be included from each community and research mentor. These should be collected, converted to a PDF, and uploaded to eSeaGrant. 

5a)  Letter of support from prospective community mentor(s)  (1-2 pages): A community mentor must be identified and contacted early in the project development phase and a letter of support from the community mentor(s) must be included. In the letter, the community mentor(s) should briefly address their plan for mentorship and professional development of the prospective fellow. For questions regarding community mentors, please contact California Sea Grant at [email protected] and/or indicate in the NOI that you would like assistance in identifying community mentors. 

5b)  Letter of support from the research mentor : The application must include a letter from the research mentor indicating a willingness to be a mentor for the applicant and expressing support of the proposed research project (2-page limit). In the letter, the research mentor should briefly address their plan for mentorship and professional development of the prospective fellow. If the fellow is selected, a formal mentoring plan similar to the sample in Appendix A will be required within a month of starting the fellowship. 

6) Two letters of academic recommendation (in addition to the letters of support described above) : It is the responsibility of the prospective fellow to arrange to have two letters of recommendation sent directly to Sea Grant by the application deadline. Referees should address the academic qualifications and performance of the candidate. A letter of academic recommendation can come from your research mentor; however, the content should address the candidate’s academic qualifications and not duplicate material from the letter of support committing to serve as a research mentor. Please identify the two referees that will be submitting a letter of academic recommendation in eSeaGrant. Letters should be sent via eSeaGrant using the link applicants will send to their referees.

IMPORTANT:  To maintain confidentiality, letters of recommendation should be submitted directly from the referee to eSeaGrant and must be submitted by the application deadline to be considered. 

7) Copies of graduate and undergraduate transcripts  (undergraduate transcripts are required from Ph.D. and master’s fellowship applicants only): Transcripts are required and should be uploaded as PDFs into eSeaGrant. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. 

Additional information about the fellowship or eSeaGrant may be obtained from:

Delanie Medina Fellowship Programs Coordinator California Sea Grant mailto:[email protected]

Application Resources

Cover Page Budget Worksheet Appendix A: The Delta (map) Appendix B: Delta Science Fellows 2017 Priority Research Topics Appendix C: The Delta Watershed (map) Appendix D: Sample Fellow Mentoring Plan

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Associate Service Fellow (Behavioral Scientist)

Location: Atlanta, GA Apply by: May 20, 2024

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is the agency Americans trust with their lives. As a global leader in public health, CDC is the nation’s premier health promotion, prevention, and preparedness agency. Whether we are protecting the American people from public health threats, researching emerging diseases, or mobilizing public health programs with our domestic and international partners, we rely on our employees to make a real difference in the health and well-being of our people here and around the world.

The National Center for Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities is seeking an individual who possesses the energy, passion, and commitment to Health Communications and marketing practices. The Health Communications Fellowship program at the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) provides opportunities for talented individuals to engage in public health communications.

This position is located in CDC’s National Center for Injury Prevention and Control (NCIPC), Division of Violence Prevention (DVP).  DVP is committed to stopping violence before it begins. The Division’s work in violence prevention involves:

• Monitoring violence-related behaviors, injuries, and deaths;
• Conducting research on the factors that put people at risk or protect them from violence;
• Developing and evaluating the effectiveness of violence prevention strategies, programs, and policies;
• Helping state and local partners plan, implement, and evaluate prevention programs; and
• Conducting research on the dissemination and implementation of evidence-based prevention strategies, programs, and policies and ensuring their widespread adoption.

Through its programs and initiatives, DVP works with national organizations, state and local health agencies, researchers, and other partners to develop, implement, and promote effective violence prevention programs, practices, and policies.

DVP’s Research and Evaluation Branch (REB) plans, directs and conducts etiologic and formative research, effectiveness research, dissemination/implementation research, and rigorous program evaluations focusing on the prevention of violence, including, but not limited to, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) including child abuse and neglect and child sexual abuse; community and youth violence; firearm-related violence; intimate partner violence; teen dating violence; sexual violence; and abuse of older adults.

DVP is seeking highly qualified candidates for a full-time Associate Service Fellow position as a Behavioral Scientist. Ideal candidates will have research experience and subject matter expertise in preventing ACEs that includes child abuse and neglect , child sexual abuse , and other forms of violence , and social determinants of health.

DVP defines ACEs as “preventable, potentially traumatic events that occur in childhood (0-17 years) such as experiencing violence, abuse, or neglect; witnessing violence in the home or community; or having a family member attempt or die by suicide. ACEs also include aspects of the child’s environment that can undermine their sense of safety, stability, and bonding such as growing up in a household with substance misuse, mental health problems, or instability due to parental separation or household members being in jail or prison” (see: https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/aces/index.html ). Exposure to ACEs, including child abuse and neglect and child sexual abuse, is a serious public health problem and can have long-term impact on health and well-being. The good news is these forms of violence are preventable.

The incumbent for this position will perform the following duties:

• Plan and conduct scientific surveys/studies, research or rigorous evaluation projects for the primary prevention of violence, with a focus on injury and interpersonal violence including the prevention of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) , including child abuse and neglect , and other forms of violence .
• Identify and define behavioral aspects of injury and violence prevention using theory-based paradigms from the scientific literature.
• Apply expertise to collect, analyze and interpret data from diverse sources, using appropriate quantitative, qualitative or mixed methods.
• Search, synthesize and interpret information to improve the effectiveness of violence prevention strategies and approaches.
• Provide technical assistance and scientific oversight of violence prevention research or evaluation projects.
• Communicate information to various audiences including preparing scientific and technical reports for peer-reviewed publications and presentations at local, state, and national workshops and conferences.
• Collaborate with internal CDC staff and external government agencies, private organizations, and other stakeholders to develop and accomplish program objectives.

Basic Qualifications

Degree: Behavioral or social sciences or related disciplines appropriate to the position.

Four years of appropriate experience that demonstrated the applicant has acquired knowledge of one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field.

Combination of education and experience that provided the applicant with knowledge of one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field.

Additional Qualifications :

• Doctoral degree in psychology, sociology, anthropology, criminology, public health, epidemiology or related field, or
• Master’s degree in psychology, sociology, criminology, public health, epidemiology, economics, or related field, plus one year of post-graduate experience at or above the GS-11 grade level in the Federal service or its equivalent with state or local government, the private sector, or nongovernmental organizations.

Highly qualified candidates would possess the following :

• Experience and subject matter expertise in researching adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), including child abuse and neglect.
• At least one year experience in the design, implementation, and/or evaluation of prevention programs, practices, or public policies to solve public health problems.
• A track record of scientific productivity as exemplified by scientific publications and other evidence of effective written communication skills.
• Expertise and experience in communicating scientific concepts, such as through conference presentations.
• Ability to collaborate with other scientific and professional staff on behavioral and social science research.

Basic Requirements

• Note: Non-US citizens meeting the above degree and specified specialized experience requirements are eligible for noncompetitive appointments under this appointing authority. Citizens of countries on the Non-Aligned list (including China, India, and Switzerland) are eligible for this appointment. Citizens of countries that have been determined by the U.S. Secretary of State to be State Sponsors of Terrorism will not be able to obtain a security clearance to work at CDC and should not be considered for this appointing authority. Countries currently on this list include: North Korea, Iran, Sudan, and Syria.
• Successful completion of a background investigation
• Up to 10% domestic travel may be required

This position has an education requirement: Upon request, you must submit a copy of your transcripts (or a list of your courses including titles, credit hours completed and grades). Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package; however, official transcripts will be required prior to receiving an official offer. Failure to submit transcripts or indicated college courses information will cause loss of consideration for this position.

Foreign Education: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university.

For further information, review the new hire information  page.

Required Documents

Applicants must submit the following:

• Cover letter or statement of interest
• Resume or curriculum vitae (CV)
• College Transcripts

The United States Government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.

How to Apply

Email all required documentation listed above to: [email protected]  by 11:59 PM EST May 20, 2024.

Selection Process

Applications will be reviewed and there will be interviews. If selected, the following documentation will be required:

• Official transcripts issued directly to the CDC (these may be sent to the program or to HR by the school).
• Two letters of recommendation from outside CDC (dated within one year).
• Human Resources, in coordination with the program office, will notify the selectee and negotiate the effective date of the position.

Visit our pathways page to learn more about public health training and fellowships at CDC.

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